The Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria (CSN) has revealed that at least 204 Catholic priests and seminarians have been abducted by terrorists and religious extremists over the past decade, with more than 15 brutally killed during captivity. The disclosure was made in a statement issued by the Secretary-General of the Catholic Secretariat, Michael Banjo, following a meeting between the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on March 14, 2025.
The delegation, led by CBCN President and Archbishop of Owerri, Most Rev. Lucius Ugorji, met with President Tinubu at the State House in Abuja to discuss critical national issues, including security, economic stability, education, human rights, and governance. The bishops emphasized the urgent need for action to address the escalating insecurity and economic hardship plaguing the nation.
Escalating Insecurity and Targeted Attacks on Clergy
In the statement, Banjo highlighted the alarming trend of kidnappings and killings targeting Catholic clergy, describing the perpetrators as “agents of darkness.” He revealed that, in addition to the 204 abductions, at least 15 priests and seminarians were killed while in captivity, while three others died from trauma after their release.
Tragically, on the very day of the bishops’ visit, a seminarian, Peter Andrew, was kidnapped and killed in Auchi, Edo State. This incident followed the brutal murder of Fr. Sylvester Okechukwu, a priest from Kafanchan Diocese, who was killed on Ash Wednesday, March 5, 2025.
The bishops expressed deep concern over the worsening security situation, particularly the rise in banditry, kidnappings, and religiously motivated violence. They called for increased efforts by security agencies to protect lives and property, especially in vulnerable regions.
Economic Hardship and Call for Policy Reforms
Beyond security, the CBCN addressed the severe economic challenges facing Nigerians, exacerbated by the removal of fuel subsidies and the devaluation of the naira. The bishops urged the government to implement policies that would alleviate the suffering of citizens, particularly the most vulnerable.
They also advocated for equitable access to education and healthcare, stressing the need for increased investment in these sectors to ensure sustainable development.
Religious Freedom and Discrimination
The bishops raised concerns about religious freedom, particularly in Northern Nigeria, where Christian minorities face discrimination and unequal treatment. They called for justice in land allocation for places of worship and fairness in the treatment of Christians across the country.
President Tinubu’s Response
In response to the bishops’ concerns, President Tinubu reassured the delegation of his administration’s commitment to tackling insecurity, stabilizing the economy, and fostering national unity. He emphasized that insecurity affects all Nigerians, regardless of religion, and pledged to work collaboratively with stakeholders to address the nation’s challenges.
“This insecurity affects everyone—Christians and Muslims alike. I have no religious bias; I won’t be a bigot. My wife is a pastor in the Redeemed Christian Church,” Tinubu stated.
He also claimed that security agencies were making progress in combating insecurity, though many Nigerians remain skeptical given the persistent violence and kidnappings across the country.
Communiqué and Call for National Cohesion
During the meeting, the CBCN presented a communiqué from its recently concluded Plenary in Abuja, which contained its reflections on Nigeria’s socio-political landscape. The bishops reaffirmed the Church’s commitment to justice, peace, and sustainable national development, despite the country’s many challenges.
Economic Crisis Deepens
Since the removal of fuel subsidies, inflation has skyrocketed, and food prices have hit record highs. Millions of Nigerians are sinking deeper into poverty as businesses struggle to survive. The bishops’ visit underscored the urgent need for government action to address both the economic and security crises facing the nation.
The Catholic Church’s engagement with the government highlights its role as a key stakeholder in advocating for peace, justice, and the welfare of all Nigerians.
