Our reporter
Catholic bishops in south-eastern Nigeria have called for a day of prayer and fasting to address the spiralling insecurity across the country, condemning recent deadly attacks as “barbaric” and “a gross violation of human dignity.”
In a strongly worded statement, bishops from the Onitsha Ecclesiastical Province expressed deep concern over the killings in Yelwata, Benue State, on 13 June and in Eha-Amufu, Enugu State, on 15 June. The bishops announced that Friday, 20 June 2025, would be dedicated to prayer and fasting for national peace.
The letter, signed by Archbishop Valerian Okeke of Onitsha and Bishop Peter Chukwu of Abakaliki, called on the federal government to take swift action to end the bloodshed. “It is the government’s primary responsibility to protect lives, restore peace, and ensure justice,” they wrote.
Catholics across Anambra, Enugu, and Ebonyi states have been urged to attend Mass, pray the Rosary, and participate in the Divine Office, as part of efforts to end the violence and remember those who have perished.
“We are deeply pained by the relentless shedding of innocent blood,” the bishops added, appealing to the Virgin Mary, described as Queen of Nigeria, for intercession. They stressed that only a commitment to prayer, justice and unity can bring lasting peace to the nation.
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