The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) has called on the Federal Government and security agencies to intensify intelligence-led operations against criminal groups following the abduction of over 60 Muslim worshippers in Borgu, Niger State.

The Bishops also demanded the immediate rescue of the worshippers and the prosecution of those responsible for the attack, including individuals or networks found to be sponsoring violent groups across the country.

The call was contained in a statement issued on Wednesday and signed by the President of the CBCN, Most Rev. Matthew Ndagoso, following the latest incidents of violence in Niger and Benue states.

The Catholic Bishops condemned the attacks in both states, expressing particular concern over the abduction of Muslim worshippers while attending prayers in Borgu.

They also commiserated with families affected by the violence in Ukum, Benue State, where 47 people were reportedly killed and 17 others critically wounded.

The Bishops said the scale and frequency of attacks across communities required security agencies to move beyond responding to attacks after they occur and adopt a more proactive approach to intelligence gathering and prevention.

They urged the authorities to identify criminal hideouts and operational networks and dismantle them before they are able to launch further attacks.

The CBCN further called for the prosecution of perpetrators and sponsors, arguing that accountability was necessary to prevent violent groups from operating with the expectation that they would escape punishment.

The Bishops said the identity or religion of victims should not determine the level of concern generated by an attack, insisting that the protection of human life must remain the priority of government.

They therefore expressed solidarity with the Muslim community in Niger State and called for the safe return of all those abducted from the mosque.

The Catholic leadership also warned against attempts to frame insecurity through ethnic, political or religious divisions, stressing that attacks on places of worship and civilian communities affect the wider Nigerian society.

According to the Bishops, the killing and abduction of innocent citizens cannot be justified by any political, ethnic or religious grievance.

They urged Nigerians to continue to stand together against violence while calling on political leaders and security chiefs to intensify efforts to restore confidence in the country’s security architecture.

The CBCN acknowledged measures being taken by the government to address insecurity but cautioned against complacency, saying the continuing attacks showed that more needed to be done to protect vulnerable communities.

The Bishops also directed a warning to bandits and kidnappers, urging them to abandon their criminal activities and embrace peace.

Citing the biblical injunction in Galatians 6:7 that “God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows,” they warned that those responsible for violence would ultimately face the consequences of their actions.

The Conference prayed for the safe release of the abducted worshippers and offered condolences to families who lost loved ones in the recent attacks.

It urged the government to make the protection of citizens, regardless of their faith or location, a central priority in its response to the country’s worsening security challenges.

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