The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) has expressed deep concern over the worsening security situation in the country, declaring that Nigerians have become exhausted by the persistent wave of killings, kidnappings and violent attacks.
The bishops made the remarks on Tuesday during a thanksgiving Mass at the Holy Cross Cathedral in Lagos to mark the 90th birthday of the Emeritus Archbishop of the Catholic Archdiocese of Lagos, Anthony Cardinal Okogie, alongside his 60th anniversary as a priest and 55 years as a bishop.
Speaking at the event, the Archbishop of Lagos and Vice President of the CBCN, Most Rev. Alfred Martins, called on President Bola Tinubu and leaders at all levels of government to intensify efforts to restore peace and security across the country.
Martins described insecurity as the nation’s greatest challenge, saying it had continued to inflict pain on citizens.
“We are aware of the challenges facing Nigeria at this time; most significantly, the issue of insecurity is the one problem that breaks the heart of everyone here,” he said.
He lamented the continued attacks by Boko Haram insurgents, bandits and other criminal groups, noting that reports of kidnappings, killings and displacement of communities had become daily occurrences.
“Every day we hear of people being kidnapped by so-called bandits and other criminals. We hear of soldiers being ambushed and killed, including generals; people being displaced from their homes and even traditional rulers fleeing their domains for fear of attack. It is becoming more difficult to understand what is going on in our country,” Martins said.
According to him, the most meaningful birthday gift Nigerians could give Cardinal Okogie would be a country where citizens can live without fear.
“One great gift that can be given to him is for those who have responsibility for leading us at all levels of government to step up their efforts so that people can live in peace, sleep with both eyes closed and travel the streets without fear and anguish,” he said.
He urged governments to adequately equip and motivate security agencies, stressing that Nigerians were growing weary of the country’s deteriorating security situation.
“Security agencies need to be properly empowered to do their duties and encouraged to face the risks associated with their profession. Everyone is tired. Government at all levels and the security agencies should do more,” Martins added.
- Media Report