The Catholic Church in Nigeria has declared a nine day prayers in solidarity with the victims of the Benue killings and other parts of the country.
In a letter addressed to all Catholics in Nigeria and people of goodwill by the leadership of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria CBCN, on June 19, 2025, and made available by the Directorate o Social Communications, Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria CSN, reads;
“A NATIONAL CALL FOR PRAYER AND SOLIDARITY
In the Wake of the Renewed Killings in Benue and Other Parts of Nigeria.
“If one member suffers, all suffer together” (1 Cor 12:26).”
To All Catholics in Nigeria, and All People of Goodwill
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
1. 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.
2. We commend all individuals, communities, and organisations who continue to speak out against these heinous crimes. We are also grateful to our brother Bishops who have already called for prayers in response. In union with these efforts, we now call on all Catholics in Nigeria and all people of goodwill to observe a Nine-Day Prayer beginning from Saturday, 21 June 2025. Each day, we ask individuals, families, parishes, and communities to recite the Rosary, followed by the Prayer for Nigeria in Distress. On the final day, Sunday, 29 June 2025, the Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul, 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.
3. To our suffering brothers and sisters in Benue State and across Nigeria wounded by violence, we assure you that the Church stands with you. As a concrete sign of our support, the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria has already provided emergency assistance to some affected communities, and a CBCN delegation will soon pay them a solidarity visit. We ardently pray that the day will soon come when such sorrowful interventions will no longer be necessary, and our voices may instead rise in thanksgiving for a land healed and at peace.
May our Lady, Queen and Patroness of Nigeria intercede for our nation. May Christ, the Prince of Peace, heal our land. Amen.
The letter which was signed by Most Rev’D Lucius Iwejuru Ugorji, Archbishop of Owerri Archdiocese amd President of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria, was also signed by his Secretary, Most Rev’D Donatus Aihmiosion Ogun, OSA, Bishop of Uromi Diocese and Secretary, CBCN.
The letter further reveaked that the nine day prayers will cime to a close on Sunday,,June 29, 2025. It urged all Catholics pray fervently for all victims of the the attack.