“Nigeria cannot afford to normalize bloodshed”: Catholic Secretariat Condemns Mass Killings, Demands Urgent Action

CSN Secretary General, Fr. Michael Banjo (left), and the National Director of Social Communications, Fr. Michael Nsikak Umoh (right). Credit: ACI Africa

“Nigeria Cannot Afford to Normalize Bloodshed” - Catholic Secretariat Condemns Mass Killings, Demands Urgent Action

On February 7, 2026, the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria (CSN), the administrative headquarters of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN), issued a powerful statement denouncing the relentless wave of killings and abductions across the country. The Secretariat warned that Nigeria is dangerously sliding into a culture of normalized violence, where bloodshed and impunity have become routine, eroding the very foundations of governance and human dignity.  

The Cry Against Violence

The CSN described the current situation as a “field of grief,” lamenting that countless communities have been devastated by repeated attacks, abductions, and killings. Despite years of complaints and promises from authorities, violence continues unchecked, leaving citizens weary of empty condolences that fail to guarantee their safety. The Secretariat expressed profound outrage and sorrow at what it termed an “assault on human life and dignity,” stressing that Nigeria is descending into a “slaughterhouse” where human lives are treated as expendable. 

 

Leadership Voices

Fr. Michael Banjo, Secretary General of the CSN, and Fr. Michael Nsikak Umoh, National Director of Social Communications, emphasized that the normalization of bloodshed is unacceptable. They warned that the persistent violence is not only destroying lives but also undermining governance, weakening institutions, and eroding trust in leadership.  

Call to Action

The Secretariat demanded urgent and decisive action from the Nigerian government, security agencies, and political leaders. It urged authorities to move beyond rhetoric and take concrete steps to protect citizens, restore peace, and uphold justice. The CSN insisted that the cycle of violence must be broken, and perpetrators must be held accountable to prevent further descent into chaos.  

Broader Implications

The statement reflects a growing frustration among religious and civil society leaders who see the unchecked violence as a threat to Nigeria’s stability and future. By framing the crisis as both a moral and governance issue, the CSN highlights the urgent need for national unity, stronger institutions, and a renewed commitment to safeguarding human life.