The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) has expressed deep concern over the escalating insecurity across the country, warning that the persistent killings, abductions, and destruction of communities threaten the nation’s stability and violate the sanctity of human life.

A statement signed by President of the CBCN, Archbishop Lucius Ugorji and Secretary , Bishop Donatus Ogun, said the deplorable security situation and the heated social and religious climate have created unbearable hardship for citizens, particularly in predominantly Christian communities in the North and Middle Belt which have suffered repeated violent attacks

In the statement released through the Office of the National Director, Fr. Mike Umoh on Tuesday, the Bishops condemned what they described as persistent violence that has “claimed countless lives, destroyed homes, and displaced families.”

The statement highlighted reports of delayed or withheld security responses in some attacks, saying such incidents have raised suspicions of collusion or a lack of commitment to protect vulnerable communities.

The Bishops said: “Near-total destruction and occupation of some communities, and continued attacks on displaced persons even in camps, have deepened the people’s sense of abandonment.”

While warning that these conditions lend credence to allegations of genocide, the Bishops noted that Christian communities have been heavily targeted even as Muslims and other ethnic groups have also suffered the same brutality undermining Nigeria’s shared humanity.

Citing recent tragedies including the abduction of worshippers in Kwara State, the kidnapping of 25 girls in Kebbi, 13 female farmers in Borno, and 265 pupils and teachers in Papiri, as well as the killing of over 70 people in Southern Taraba, the CBCN said the scale of criminality now threatens “the very foundations of family life, education, and social stability.”

They also mourned the killing of Brigadier General Musa Uba and other security personnel, saying the attacks underscore how far impunity has spread.

“When criminals can strike schools, farms, and communities with impunity, it threatens the very foundations of family life, education, and social stability. Such attacks violate our shared humanity and endanger the future of our nation.”

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.

Invoking Section 14(2)(b) of the 1999 Constitution, the bishops called on the government at all levels to urgently fulfill its primary responsibility of protecting lives and property.

“The government must no longer allow impunity to prevail. Lasting peace cannot be achieved through silence or delay. Nigerians and the global community can no longer tolerate excuses for continued insecurity,” they said, insisting that perpetrators must be identified, arrested, and prosecuted to restore public trust.

They urged immediate action to secure the release of abducted persons and facilitate the safe return of displaced citizens to their ancestral homes.

The bishops also raised concerns over violations of the rights of Christian minorities in some northern states, including denial of land for church buildings, destruction of places of worship, and what they described as the unconstitutional overreach of Sharia courts.

They repeated their call for justice in the killing of Deborah Samuel Yakubu in Sokoto, saying failure to punish offenders undermines the rule of law.

They condemned abuses by morality enforcement outfits such as Hisbah, saying their activities often lead to harassment of both Christians and Muslims, threatening national cohesion.

Despite the grim situation, the CBCN commended Nigerians for their resilience and urged them to remain united. They called on citizens to reject hatred, embrace dialogue, and work together to defend the sacredness of human life.

“Peace is not the responsibility of a select few, It is the duty of all. May God grant our nation and its people peace, healing, and restoration.”