The Catholic Bishops of Onitsha Ecclesiastical Province have strongly condemned the recent violent attacks in Benue State and Eha-Amufu in Enugu State.
The attacks, allegedly carried out by suspected herdsmen, have reportedly left many dead and communities devastated.
The Onitsha Ecclesiastical Province includes the Archdiocese of Onitsha and dioceses of Abakaliki, Aguleri, Awgu, Ekwulobia, Enugu, Nnewi, and Nsukka. The bishops say the continued violence in these areas has caused serious pain and fear among ordinary Nigerians.
In a joint statement released on Thursday, Archbishop Valerian Maduka Okeke of Onitsha and Bishop Peter Nworie Chukwu of Abakaliki expressed their sorrow over the worsening insecurity.
“We are deeply shocked by the endless shedding of innocent blood in our country,” they said.
The bishops described the killings as “inhuman, barbaric, and a gross violation of the sanctity and dignity of human life.” They warned that life in many parts of Nigeria had become unsafe, with citizens constantly living in fear.
They urged the Nigerian Government to act swiftly and end what they called a near-daily routine of violence. According to them, the government must restore order, peace, and justice to the affected areas and to the country as a whole.
Special Day of Prayer Declared
Beyond the call for political action, the bishops urged the faithful to seek divine help through prayer and fasting.
They declared Friday, 20th June, 2025, as a special day of spiritual observance in all dioceses under the province.
“As spiritual leaders of the people of God, we call on all men and women of goodwill in our province to turn to God in prayer at this critical moment of our history,” the statement read. They added, “God is our hope, and ‘our hope cannot disappoint us.’”
The bishops encouraged all priests and Religious to dedicate that day to prayers and fasting for peace in Benue and Enugu, and other parts of Nigeria affected by violence. They also asked them to offer Holy Masses, say the Holy Rosary, and observe the Divine Office for the same purpose.
“We lift up our eyes to the mountain because our help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth,” they declared. They also sought the intercession of “Our Blessed Mother, Mary, Queen of Peace and Queen of Nigeria.”
The bishops prayed for the souls of those killed in the attacks and offered words of comfort to their families. They called on Nigerians to remain united in faith and hope, even as the country faces serious challenges.
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