Owerri, Nigeria - The President of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN), Most Reverend Lucius Iwejuru Ugorji, has declared that Nigeria is currently “under siege” due to escalating insecurity across the country. Speaking in his Easter message delivered in Owerri, Imo State, Archbishop Ugorji painted a grim picture of the nation’s security landscape, marked by rampant kidnappings, brutal killings, and a pervasive atmosphere of fear and despair.
“We are celebrating Easter this year in an atmosphere that breathes pessimism and despair,” Archbishop Ugorji lamented. “The general insecurity of life and property is heightened by the rising wave of kidnapping for ransom, and the mindless slaughtering of innocent citizens by criminal gangs.” He emphasized that no place in Nigeria is safe not homes, businesses, highways, nor even places of worship underscoring the depth of the crisis facing the nation.
The Archbishop attributed the worsening security situation to what he described as the government’s lack of political will to decisively tackle rising criminality. This failure, he warned, is forcing many Nigerians to resort to self-help measures to protect their lives and livelihoods.
The statement comes amid a surge in violent attacks, particularly in the central states of Benue and Plateau. Recent incidents include the killing of 55 people in Logo and Ukum Local Government Areas of Benue State, confirmed by Governor Hyacinth Alia. Similarly, Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang urged residents of Zilkke village in Bassa Local Government Area to remain vigilant and defend themselves after gunmen killed over 50 people, injured many including women and children, and destroyed more than 40 houses in a brutal assault.
Archbishop Ugorji has also linked the insecurity crisis to the broader socio-economic challenges facing Nigeria, especially youth unemployment. In a previous address, he described youth unemployment as a “ticking time bomb” that fuels frustration, disillusionment, and recruitment into violent and criminal groups. He highlighted how joblessness is driving many young people toward crime, drug abuse, cultism, and even occult practices, further destabilizing communities.
The CBCN’s stark warnings have not gone unnoticed by the Nigerian government. Earlier in 2025, the Presidency, responding to criticisms from Archbishop Ugorji and the bishops, defended its record, citing ongoing reforms and initiatives aimed at economic stabilization, job creation, and security improvements. The government pointed to programs such as the Nigerian Youth Investment Fund and infrastructure spending under the 2025 budget as evidence of progress, and referenced international recognition of Nigeria’s economic competitiveness.
Despite these assurances, the bishops remain deeply concerned about the persistent insecurity and economic hardship. Archbishop Ugorji and his colleagues have called on the government to take urgent and effective action to restore peace, protect citizens, and address the root causes of violence and poverty.
The current security crisis has had devastating humanitarian consequences. Attacks by armed groups, bandits, and criminal gangs have displaced thousands, disrupted access to healthcare and education, and worsened food insecurity. The recent spate of violence in Plateau and Benue states is part of a broader pattern of insecurity affecting multiple regions, including the northwest, where kidnappings and attacks continue unabated.
As Nigeria marks Easter 2025, the CBCN’s message is a sobering reminder of the challenges facing the nation. Archbishop Ugorji’s call for renewed political will and community resilience underscores the urgent need for comprehensive solutions to end the siege of insecurity and build a safer, more hopeful Nigeria.
