…says insecurity, hardship threatening Nigeria’s future
The Catholic Archbishop of Abuja, Most Rev. Ignatius Kaigama, has warned that Nigeria risks reliving the “cruelty of Good Friday” if urgent steps were not taken to address insecurity, economic hardship, and deepening divisions across the country.
In his 2026 Easter message titled “Peace, Not War: Avoiding the Cruelty of Good Friday in Our Nation,” Kaigama said the rising wave of violence and hardship confronting Nigerians mirrors the suffering symbolised by Good Friday, urging citizens and leaders to embrace peace, justice and responsible leadership.
The cleric expressed deep concern over the recent killings in parts of Plateau, Kaduna and Taraba states, describing them as troubling signs of a resurgence of violence that threatens national stability.
He said: “In recent weeks, our hearts have been deeply wounded by fresh waves of violence, particularly in Jos and parts of Kaduna and Taraba States. Innocent men, women, and even children have lost their lives in brutal attacks that reflect a troubling persistence of terror and lawlessness.”
According to the Archbishop, the continued bloodshed and insecurity across several regions of the country show the urgent need for decisive and just action by authorities to protect lives.
Kaigama criticised what he described as weak responses from the government to repeated attacks, warning that the situation could worsen if urgent steps are not taken.
“So far, the government’s response to these incidences of violence and abuse of human rights has been weak at best and negligent at worst
“The Government appears only after blood has been shed, after homes have been reduced to ashes, to ‘restore normalcy’, while survivors are left to bury their departed dear ones and live with trauma.”
He lamented that entire communities had been wiped out in several states including Southern Kaduna, Plateau, Benue, Niger, Borno, Adamawa, Taraba and Zamfara.
“Churches have been burned, priests and pastors kidnapped, villages overrun, Muslims attacked and killed while at prayer. These are not rumours. These are documented realities,” he added.
Beyond insecurity, the Archbishop also highlighted the growing economic hardship and rising hopelessness among young Nigerians.
“Families continue to grapple with economic hardship and uncertainty about the future. Many young people have given up on the hope of ever securing a job and discouragement has set in.”
Kaigama urged Nigerians not to give in to despair but to draw strength from the message of Easter, which symbolises hope and renewal.
“The stone that sealed the tomb was rolled away not by human effort, but by divine intervention. In the same way, we must not surrender to despair,” he said.
The cleric called on citizens to reject corruption and hatred while promoting peace and compassion in their communities as he urged Nigerians to resist the “temptation of returning hatred for hatred.”
Looking ahead to the 2027 general elections, Kaigama urged Nigerians to vote responsibly and avoid being influenced by money or divisive rhetoric.
“Do not sell your conscience for temporary gain. Do not be swayed by empty promises or divisive rhetoric. Seek and vote for leaders who demonstrate integrity, competence and a genuine commitment to the common good.”
He also reminded those in government that leadership is a sacred responsibility saying, “The power you hold is given for the purpose of service, not self-enrichment. The cries of the poor and the suffering are not hidden from God.”
Kaigama further called for greater religious tolerance and peaceful coexistence between Christians and Muslims in Nigeria.
“Christians and Muslims should temper their tendency towards dominance and superiority complex. We must acknowledge the plurality of religions under one God.
“There is no fear that Christianity could be wiped out in this country, neither is there any fear that Islam can be wiped out. Both religions have coexisted in Nigeria for centuries.”
The Archbishop also clarified remarks he recently made regarding international support to address insecurity in Nigeria, saying his comments about former United States President Donald Trump had been misinterpreted.
“I did not call for weapons to be given to Christians. My call was for strategic support to help Nigeria combat terrorism, banditry and kidnapping.
“Both Christians and Muslims are victims of these attacks, and the goal is to save all Nigerians from the hands of terrorists and bandits.
“We must learn to love each other just the way we are – Fulani, Hausa, Yoruba, Igbo, Tiv, Jukun, Kuteb and others. We are all God’s children.
“May the Risen Christ bless Nigeria, strengthen our faith and lead us from despair to hope, from division to unity and from hardship to lasting well-being.”