Catholic Bishops urge Tinubu to urgently stop killings in Benue, Enugu, others

By Tobias Ekirika

The Catholic Bishops Of Onitsha Ecclesiastical Province have condemned the gruesome massacre of innocent people on Friday night, June 13, 2025 in Benue State by the suspected herdsmen, requested for urgent prayer for the stoppage of the Bloodshed in Nigeria.

This was contained in a statement which was signed by the Catholic Archbishop of Onitsha Archdiocese, His Grace, Most Rev. Valerian Maduka Okeke and made available to newsmen in Onitsha.

According to them,”The Catholic Bishops noted that they received credible information that similar senseless attacks and killings also took place in some parts of Eha-Amufu in Enugu State on Sunday, June 15,2025″.

The  Bishops however expressed that they are deeply anguished and shocked by the relentless shedding of innocent blood in different parts of country, Nigeria, describing the killings as inhumanity, barbaric and gross violation of the sanctity and dignity of human life.

“In many parts of Nigeria today, many people are living in constant fear due to Insecurity. We therefore call on the Nigerian Government to immediately put an end the almost daily bloodshed in different parts of our country. We also demand the government to rise to their principal duty of restoring security, justice and peace in Nigeria” Said the Prelates. 

“As spiritual leaders of the people of God, we call on all men and women of goodwill in our province to turn to God in prayer at this critical moment of our history. God is our hope and” Our hope cannot disappoint us” (Rom. 5:5)” They declared.

They further urged the Priests and Religious in their province in a special way to observe Friday, 20th June 20,2025 as a special day of prayer and fasting even as they explained that the intention is for peace and security especially in Benue State, Enugu State and other parts of Nigeria where similar things are happening.

Meanwhile, the Bishops prayed for those who have lost their lives in the circumstances, expressing optimism in prayer that God would receive their Souls and console their families.

“We request that, in addition to fasting, all priests and Religious of our province dedicate their Holy Mass, Holy Rosaries and Divine offices this Friday, 20th June, for this noble intention. We lift up our eyes to the mountain because our help comes from the Lord who made Heaven and Earth (PS. 121:2). We appeal to Our Blessed Mother Mary, Queen of peace and Queen of Nigeria to intercede for our country Nigeria” They posited.