Abuja Archbishop laments unending bloodshed plaguing Nigeria
The Catholic Archbishop of Abuja, Dr. Ignatius Kaigama, has bemoaned the worsening economic conditions and the incessant killings of citizens in various parts of Nigeria.
Delivering his Homily before the congratulations at this year’s Easter celebrations in Abuja , Archbishop Kiagama described the ugly development as “a nation wounded and bleeding”.
Archbishop Kaigama warned that Nigeria is suffering from a combination of spiritual, social, economic, and political ailments that demand urgent healing.
According to him “We are not only spiritually sick but also economically, politically, and socially deficient .
“Our nation needs healing from the festering wounds inflicted by politics and harsh economic realities that lead to crimes, violence, and the growing mental instability among our youth.”
He condemned the recurring bloodshed in many parts of the country, highlighting the killings in Ondo, Bokkos, Uromi, Borno, Southern Kaduna, Benue states.
He lamented the government’s inability to tackle the criminal elements responsible for these atrocities.
“How criminals known as ‘unknown gunmen,’ kidnappers, terrorists, militant herdsmen, etc., are nearly never apprehended is puzzling,” he wondered .
“They appear, kill, burn houses and farms, injure people, disappear, only to return and inflict even more damage”, this inhamanity must end .
Archbishop Kaigama questioned whether Nigeria’s failure to stem insecurity was due to a lack of advanced technology or the absence of political will.
He decried the impunity with which lives are taken and communities ravaged, adding that the nation’s soul is hemorrhaging from unchecked evil.
Referencing Luke 19:41, he likened Jesus’ weeping over Jerusalem to God’s sorrow over Nigeria’s moral and spiritual failures.
“What makes God weep for Nigeria?” he asked, adding that “Corruption, terrorism, bloodshed, injustice, and the rejection of truth”, he enthused .
The Archbishop also turned his attention to the priesthood, calling for prayers and healing for priests themselves, who, he noted, are often deeply wounded while serving others.
He stated “Far from being religious professionals, we are sharers in Jesus’ healing mission. We too need healing — spiritual, mental, and emotional.”
He warned against isolation among priests and therefore encourages greater communal living, prayer, and support, noting that the mental health of priests and seminarians must be taken seriously.
“Even anointed priests are not immune to afflictions of the heart and mind,”
To the laity, he made a passionate appeal:
“Support your priests. Walk this journey of faith with us. That is what synodality is about.” He concluded with a call to hope and commitment: “Let us be instruments of healing and reconciliation in this broken world.Let us be faithful.God will do the rest”
