Killings: Catholic Bishops call for Nine days prayer
In the Wake of the Renewed Killings in Benue and Other Parts of Nigeria, the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN), has called on people of goodwill to observe a Nine-Day Prayer beginning from Saturday, 21 June 2025.
In a release issued on Thursday and jointly endorsed by the President and Arch Bishop of Owerri , Most Rev Dr Lucius Iwejuru Ugorji and the Secretary who is also the Bishop of Uromi Diocese, Most Rev Donatus Ogun, the CBCN enjoins individuals, families, parishes, and communities to recite the Rosary, followed by the Prayer for Nigeria in Distress.
According to the release, on the final day, Sunday, 29 June 2025, Holy Mass should be offered across all dioceses and parishes for peace and healing in Nigeria, the repose of the dead, the comfort of victims, divine protection, and for the conversion of those responsible for the barbaric massacre of unarmed fellow citizens, including women and children.
The relaese further states: “If one member suffers, all suffer together,” (1 Cor 12:26).
“We, the Catholic Bishops of Nigeria, once again lift our voices in sorrow as shepherds of God’s flock and guardians of our nation’s conscience. Following our recent statement of 6 June 2025, “CBCN Statement on Benue Killings and Mokwa Flood”, it is profoundly heartbreaking that, less than two weeks later, we are compelled to speak out again. The renewed wave of killings in Benue State and other parts of our country continues to wound our collective spirit. It is our fervent hope and prayer that we will not have to issue such sorrowful statements again.
The Catholic Bishops however commended individuals, communities, and organisations who continue to speak out against these heinous crimes. grateful to our brother
The release assured the suffering brothers and sisters in Benue State and across Nigeria wounded by violence, that the Church stands with them, adding that the CBCN has already provided emergency assistance to some affected communities.
While promising that a CBCN delegation will soon pay them a solidarity visit, the bishops prayed that the evil will one day come to an end.
