The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) has declared a nationwide nine-day prayer effort aimed at ending the persistent violence in Benue State and promoting national reconciliation.
The announcement was made on Sunday in Lagos through a statement co-signed by Archbishop Lucius Ugorji of Owerri and Bishop Donatus Ogun of Uromi, the CBCN President and Secretary, respectively.
The prayer initiative comes amid continued killings and displacement in Benue, which have drawn national condemnation and prompted federal intervention. President Bola Tinubu recently visited the state and announced the creation of a peace and dialogue committee to de-escalate tensions.
The bishops stressed the urgent need for spiritual intervention, saying: “The conversion of the hearts of the perpetrators is critical. We must reclaim our nation through prayer and moral renewal.”
The prayer campaign, open to all Nigerians regardless of faith, encourages the daily recitation of the Rosary followed by a special prayer for a country in distress. It will conclude on Sunday, 29 June, with Holy Masses in dioceses across Nigeria dedicated to peace, national healing, and the souls of those lost.
“We invite all people of goodwill to join this sacred call. Our nation is wounded, and we must respond with compassion, unity, and fervent prayer,” the CBCN said.
In addition to the spiritual response, the bishops revealed that relief efforts were already underway, with emergency aid deployed to affected communities and plans for an episcopal visit to express solidarity with victims.
The bishops also acknowledged and praised civil society groups and individuals who have continued to advocate for justice and humanitarian support.
“We look forward to the day when our prayers will turn from mourning to celebration, from despair to hope,” the statement concluded.
