The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) voiced deep concern over Nigeria’s escalating socio-economic and political crises, urging the government to act swiftly.
In a communiqué issued at the end of their First Plenary Meeting (February 19–26, 2026), signed by outgoing President Archbishop Lucius Iwejuru Ugorji of Owerri and Secretary Bishop Donatus Ogun of Uromi, the bishops highlighted persistent insecurity, mass killings, economic sabotage, and poor leadership as root causes.
“We continue to witness senseless massacres, mass burials, endless grief, and mass murders across communities,” the statement read. Despite Nigeria’s vast mineral wealth—owned and regulated by the federal government—the nation loses trillions of naira yearly to illegal bunkering, mining, banditry, and kidnapping. The bishops blamed “poor leadership and a misguided view of politics,” where elections are rigged, mandates stolen, and power abused for personal gain. This has led to systemic failures: a crumbling economy, rampant insecurity, and extreme poverty amid abundant resources.
Archbishop Emeritus John Onaiyekan of Abuja, a prominent CBCN member, elaborated on these issues in an Arise TV interview. Vanguard cover in details
