The President of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN), Most Reverend Lucius Ugorji, has expressed grave concern over the deteriorating security situation in Nigeria, stating that the nation seems to be “under siege.”
In his Easter message delivered in Owerri, the capital of Imo State, Ugorji condemned the escalating incidents of kidnappings for ransom and the ruthless murders of innocent citizens throughout the country, describing the circumstances as alarming and profoundly disturbing.
“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.”
The cleric emphasized that safety has vanished across all regions of the nation.
“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 denounced what he perceives as the government’s lack of resolve to effectively address the surging wave of criminal activities, cautioning that citizens are increasingly resorting to self-defense to safeguard their lives and means of sustenance.
His remarks coincide with a spike in violent assaults in various regions, notably in Benue and Plateau States, where armed bandits and criminal groups have persistently caused devastation.
In Benue State, Governor Hyacinth Alia recently reported the deaths of 55 individuals in the Logo and Ukum Local Government Areas.
Likewise, in Plateau State, Governor Caleb Mutfwang called on the residents of Zilkke village in Bassa Local Government Area to stay alert and protect themselves following a string of lethal attacks.
This follows a horrific attack on Zilkke village, where more than 50 people were killed, dozens were injured—including women and children—and over 40 homes were burned down by gunmen.
A Gentle Reminder: Every obstacle is a stepping stone, every morning; a chance to go again, and those little steps take you closer to your dream.
Nnamdi Okoli
