The Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria (CSN) has urged leaders at all levels, political, religious, and community to rise above divisions and work together to restore peace and dignity across the country.
The appeal was made in a statement signed by the Secretary-General of the CSN, Very Rev. Fr. Michael Banjo, and co-signed by the National Director of Social Communications, Nsikak Umoh.
The Secretariat called on citizens to reject hatred and violence, and instead embrace solidarity and mutual support. It also encouraged Nigerians to entrust the nation to God’s mercy and continue praying for healing, justice, and reconciliation.
The CSN expressed deep concern over the ongoing wave of killings and abductions nationwide, lamenting that repeated assurances from authorities have yet to translate into lasting security for communities. According to the statement, “the continued violence has left many citizens fearful and several communities devastated, turning national grief into a recurring reality.”
Referencing incidents between late January and early February 2026, the Secretariat condemned coordinated attacks and repeated abductions reported in parts of Kwara, Niger, Katsina, Kaduna, and Borno states, noting that such developments threaten national stability and undermine citizens’ confidence in governance.
The body reminded government authorities that the Constitution represents a binding responsibility to safeguard lives and property, emphasising that failure to ensure security weakens public trust and moral authority. It warned that unaddressed crimes and prolonged silence over violent incidents could further deepen the divide between citizens and leadership.
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The CSN also highlighted that Nigeria is a signatory to international and regional human rights instruments that uphold the right to life as fundamental, urging the state to treat the protection of life as a non-negotiable duty.
Among its recommendations, the Secretariat called on the Federal Government to reassess and strengthen security strategies, redeploy security personnel to vulnerable communities, identify and prosecute sponsors and perpetrators of violence regardless of status, and provide urgent relief, psychosocial support, and compensation for victims while rebuilding affected areas.
Describing the country as being at a critical juncture, the CSN urged national leaders to act with “sincerity, courage and compassion” to prevent further loss of lives.
The clerics concluded with prayers that “the suffering of innocent citizens would inspire renewed commitment toward protecting life and building a nation founded on peace and justice.”