The President of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN), Most Reverend Lucius Ugorji, has raised alarm over the worsening state of insecurity in Nigeria, declaring that the country appears to be “under siege.”
Delivering his Easter message in Owerri, the Imo State capital, Ugorji decried the rising wave of kidnappings for ransom and the brutal killings of innocent citizens across the nation, describing the situation as dire and deeply troubling.
“We are celebrating Easter this year in an atmosphere filled with pessimism and despair,” he said. “The general insecurity of lives and property is heightened by the growing spate of kidnappings for ransom and the mindless slaughter of innocent people by criminal gangs.”
According to the cleric, no part of the country feels safe anymore.
“We seem to be a nation under siege. No place is spared—our homes, places of business, highways, and even the sacred precincts of worship are no longer secure,” he lamented.
Ugorji criticized what he described as the government’s lack of political will to decisively tackle the rising tide of criminality, warning that the public is increasingly turning to self-help to protect their lives and livelihoods.
His comments come amid a surge in violent attacks in parts of the country, particularly in Benue and Plateau States, where armed bandits and criminal gangs have continued to wreak havoc.
In Benue State, Governor Hyacinth Alia recently confirmed the killing of 55 people in the Logo and Ukum Local Government Areas.
Similarly, in Plateau State, Governor Caleb Mutfwang urged residents of Zilkke village in Bassa Local Government Area to remain vigilant and defend themselves following a series of deadly attacks.
This comes after a brutal assault on Zilkke village where over 50 people were killed, dozens injured—including women and children—and more than 40 houses were set ablaze by gunmen.