The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) has raised concerns over what it described as escalating violations of rights, deepening insecurity, and growing religious tensions across the country, calling on government authorities to urgently restore law, order, and national cohesion.
In a statement titled “Peace in Nigeria: Moving from Fragility to Stability” and signed by its President, Archbishop Lucius Ugorji, and Secretary, Bishop Donatus Aihmiosion Ogun, the bishops said Nigeria’s fragile social and religious climate had been worsened by rampant violence, unconstitutional actions of some Shariah institutions, and alleged abuses linked to Hisbah operations in the North.
The bishops decried the deplorable security situation, which they said has claimed countless lives, razed communities, and forced thousands into displacement camps.
They expressed concern over repeated attacks on predominantly Christian communities in the North and Middle Belt, adding that in some cases, delayed or absent security responses had created suspicions of collusion or negligence.
They, however, stressed that Muslims and other ethnic groups have also suffered from the same wave of violence ravaging the country.
Recent mass abductions, including worshippers in Kwara, 25 young girls in Kebbi, 13 female farmers in Borno, and over 265 schoolchildren and teachers in Niger State, as well as the killing of Brigadier General Musa Uba and dozens of security personnel, were cited as evidence of Nigeria’s deepening insecurity.
“When criminals can strike schools, farms, and communities with impunity, it threatens the very foundations of family life, education, and social stability,” the bishops warned.
The CBCN urged the federal and state governments to urgently fulfil their constitutional responsibility to protect lives and property, insisting that impunity for violent crimes must end.
They demanded the immediate rescue of all abducted persons and an investigation into alleged delayed security responses in affected communities to rebuild public trust.
“Lasting peace cannot be achieved through silence or delay. Nigerians and the global community can no longer tolerate excuses for continued insecurity,” they stated.
The bishops also raised alarm over what they described as persistent violations of the rights of Christian minorities in some northern states, including denial of land for church buildings and destruction of worship centres.
They expressed concern over what they termed the overreach of Shariah courts in ways that threaten Nigeria’s secular character and infringe upon citizens’ constitutional rights.
Citing the killing of Deborah Samuel in Sokoto, they said the tragedy, which was linked to extremist interpretations of Shariah-related accusations, illustrated the dangers of mob justice and religious extremism. They demanded justice for the slain student, warning that impunity in such cases undermines the rule of law.
They further criticised the activities of Hisbah morality enforcement groups, stating that their rigid and sometimes extremist operations have led to the harassment of both Christians and Muslims, violating fundamental freedoms and undermining social harmony.
“Nigeria’s rich religious and cultural pluralism must foster unity, mutual respect, and peace rather than division and suspicion,” the CBCN said.
Despite the grim outlook, the bishops commended the resilience of Nigerians and called for solidarity across ethnic and religious lines.
“Peace is not the responsibility of a select few. It is the duty of all,” they said, urging citizens to shun hate, avoid retaliatory rhetoric, and embrace dialogue and mutual respect.
The post “Hisbah Operations Fuel Religious Tensions” — Catholic Bishops Warn Sharia Court Overreach Threatens Secularism, Decry Harassment Of Christians & Muslims appeared first on TheNigeriaLawyer.
