The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) has voiced deep outrage over the sustained violence in Benue State, accusing both state and federal authorities of grossly neglecting their duty to safeguard lives.
In a statement issued Friday and signed by the CBCN President, Archbishop Lucius Iwejuru Ugorji of the Owerri Archdiocese, the bishops expressed profound sorrow and frustration over the bloodshed, describing the attacks as “utterly barbaric” and morally indefensible.
“These cold-blooded attacks on defenceless communities where countless have been slaughtered, homes destroyed, and families left in anguish, are an affront to God, a stain on our shared humanity, and a terrifying reminder of the utter breakdown of security in our land,” the statement read.
The bishops did not hold back in their criticism of the authorities, stating that government failure to prevent the killings has overshadowed any other development achievements.
“No matter how well a government pays salaries or builds roads, its failure to protect human lives renders its achievements hollow. The sanctity of human life is supreme. It is sacred. It is inviolable,” they warned.
While acknowledging recent efforts by the Benue State Government in infrastructure and public service improvements — including roadworks, improved urban transit, and regular salary disbursement — the bishops argued that such progress is meaningless if citizens continue to live in fear of losing their lives.
They called for swift and resolute action to stop the violence, ensure justice for affected communities, and hold those responsible to account.
“The relentless attacks on innocent and defenceless communities under the watch of civil authorities constitute a grave moral and constitutional failure. This carnage must end!” Archbishop Ugorji declared.
The CBCN also appealed to security forces to demonstrate greater professionalism and commitment in restoring law and order, emphasizing that an end must be brought to the prevailing culture of impunity.
