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From Fred Ezeh, Abuja
Catholic Bishops under the umbrella of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) has demanded an end to the implementation of Sharia Law in some parts of Nigeria
The Catholic Bishops restated that Nigeria is a secular state hence the implementation of such an Islamic law in some parts of the country could amount to injustice to the other faith.
CBCN President, Archbishop Lucius Iwejuru Ugorji, in a statement, on Tuesday, said the overreach of Sharia Courts in some states
poses serious constitutional concerns, as it threatens Nigeria’s secular character and
infringes on the rights of Christian minorities.
He said: “We draw attention to the persistent violations of the rights and freedoms of
Christian minorities in several northern states. The denial of land for the construction of
churches, particularly within federal institutions, and the destruction of Christian places of worship, especially at the height of Boko Haram’s insurgency, are matters that demand urgent and decisive government action.
“It is in this context that we recall with deep
sorrow the brutal killing of Deborah Samuel Yakubu in Sokoto a few years ago, an incident fuelled by extremist interpretations of Sharia-related accusations, and we once again demand justice for her, as impunity in such cases undermines the rule of law and endangers the rights of all citizens.
“While moral formation is essential in every socicty, the activities of morality enforcement groups such as the Hisbah have frequently resulted in harassment and intimidation of innocent citizens, including Christians and Muslims alike, in the exercise of their fundamental freedoms.
“Their rigid interpretations of religious norms, often influenced by extremist ideologies, undermine communal harmony and threaten national cohesion. Nigeria’s rich religious and cultural pluralism must foster unity, mutual respect, and peace rather than division and suspicion,” he noted.
The CBCN President thus appreciated the courage of the Nigerians who, despite the trying times, continued to demonstrate remarkable resilience and trust in the promise of a better future.
He encouraged all citizens irrespective of religion, tribe, or political persuasion, to remain united in the quest for peace and the rebuilding of the common life, insisting that every Nigerian is called to be an agent of healing, to reject hatred and retaliation, to speak words that foster understanding, and to uphold justice, dialogue, and mutual respect.
He restated that peace is not the responsibility of a select few, but a duty of all. “Rather than engaging in divisive arguments about who has suffered more losses, we should stand together in defending the sacredness of every human life and protecting the vulnerable.
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“The deplorable security situation in our nation Nigeria and the ongoing discourse heating up the nation’s fragile social and religious climate are truly worrisome. More deeply painful is the persistent violence that has claimed countless lives, destroyed homes, and displaced families.
“As murderous groups continue to unleash terror on defenseless citizens, we strongly condemn these atrocities that have brought untold anguish to many communities. It is a matter of grave concern that several predominantly Christian communities particularly in the Northern and middle belt regions of the country, have come under repeated and brutal attacks. resulting in heavy casualties and the tragic loss of many Christian lives.
“In some instances, there have been disturbing reports of delayed or withheld seeurity responses, giving the impression of possible collusion or a lack of will to act. The near-total destruction and occupation of some communities, and the continued attacks on displaced persons even in camps, have deepened the people’s sense of abandonment and despair. Such prolonged unbearable conditions have given credence to allegations of ‘genocide’ in some quarters.
“Yet, mindful of the sacred dignity and inestimable worth of every human life, we are equally deeply concerned that Muslims and
many other innocent citizens of diverse ethnic backgrounds have also been victims of this
same cruelty that continues to deseerate our common humanity.
“Recent events further highlight the depth of this national crisis. Cases of abduction of
several worshippers in Kwara State (who, thankfully, have been released), 25
young girls in Kebbi State, 13 female farmers in Borno State, 265 students and their teachers in Papiri, Niger State, brutal killing of more than 70 persons in Southern Taraba and the displacement of thousands there, attest to the troubling scale of the security crisis.
“These tragedies, together with the recent killing of Brigadier General Musa Uba and many security personnel, revealed the extent to which criminality has penetrated our national life. When criminals can strike farms, schools, and communities with impunity. It threatens the very foundations of family life, education, and social stability, Such attacks violate our shared humanity and endanger the future of our nation.
“In the light of this worsening situation, we call on the govemment at all levels to urgently
and decisively fulfil its foremost duty as mandated by Section 14 (2)(b) of the 1999
Constitution, to protect the lives and property of all citizens. The Goverment has both the
responsibility and the means to end this violence and must no longer allow impunity to
prevail.”
He asked that those responsible for these heinous crimes must be identified and brought to justice, for without accountability there ean be no lasting peace.
He also urged that reports of delayed or withheld security responses in some affected communities be thoroughly investigated in order to rebuild public trust. “The Government must also take all lawful and urgent measures to secure the immediate and safe return ofall abducted persons, including the young girls taken in Kebbi, the pupils and teachers scized in Kontagora, and the young females abducted in Borno, and ensure that displaced citizens can return to their ancestral homes.”
