Catholic Laity Council Decries Rising Killings in Nigeria, Demands Urgent Government Action

The Catholic Laity Council of Nigeria (CLCN) has raised fresh alarm over escalating violence and widespread killings across the country, describing the situation as a serious assault on human dignity and national stability.

The concern was part of resolutions reached at the Council’s 157th National Executive Council meeting held in Ondo State, where members reviewed the state of security, governance, and the welfare of citizens.

The Council condemned the continued attacks in several parts of Nigeria, calling them inhuman, unjustifiable, and a direct violation of the sanctity of life. It urged authorities at all levels to intensify efforts to protect lives and property.

Beyond insecurity, the CLCN also highlighted growing economic hardship and widening inequality, warning that the suffering of ordinary Nigerians continues to deepen amid rising cost of living and limited opportunities.

In its resolution, signed by National President Sir Ambrose Obioha and Secretary General Francis Olayinka Ojo, the Council stressed that national progress should no longer be measured only by economic indicators such as Gross Domestic Product (GDP), but by how effectively citizens’ living conditions are improved.

It called for urgent, coordinated action among government institutions and security agencies to address violence and restore public confidence.

The Council also urged Nigerians to speak out against injustice, promote peace, and defend vulnerable groups, while encouraging citizens to uphold values of fairness, inclusion, and human dignity.

Reaffirming its commitment to civic engagement, the CLCN said it would continue monitoring the performance of elected officials across all levels of government, including the presidency, state governors, and legislative bodies.

It also pledged to promote civic education and encourage active participation in credible elections, describing the ballot as a key instrument for choosing accountable leadership.

The Council further expressed solidarity with the newly elected leadership of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN), led by Most Rev. Matthew Man-Oso Ndagoso, alongside other newly appointed church leaders, while praying for wisdom and success in their service.

It also extended condolences to the CBCN and the Diocese of Abakaliki following the death of Most Rev. Peter Nworie Chukwu, describing his passing as a significant loss to the Catholic community.