For him, “No matter the reason, the killing of those 16 people is unacceptable. This cycle of violence has continued for too long, with innocent lives lost, including children and women. We cannot continue like this.”
Archbishop Kaigama faulted the persistent lack of accountability and justice following such acts of violence, warning that complacency only fuels impunity. “Violence is not exclusive to Christians or Muslims. It is the handiwork of criminals who must be stopped,” he said.
The Catholic Church leader continued, “It is expected that our security agents should take charge and be able to unveil why these killings keep happening. But instead, we are often left with silence. Individuals and entire groups are cruelly murdered, and nothing is done.”
The Nigerian Catholic Church leader, who started his Episcopal Ministry in April 1995 as Bishop of Nigeria’s Catholic Diocese of Jalingo, expressed concern about the growing trend of inflammatory rhetoric and threats of violence circulating on social media.
“People go online and issue threats, declaring they will kill and destroy people from the Southern part of Nigeria living in the North, yet nothing happens to them. No action is taken to reassure Nigerians that things are under control. This cannot continue,” Archbishop Kaigama said.
Addressing criticisms that religious leaders are not speaking out enough, the Nigerian Catholic Archbishop defended the approach of the Clergy, explaining that their role is to advocate for peace with wisdom, not to act like mobs.
“There is a decorum we must adhere to. Some expect Catholic Bishops to be on the streets shouting like hooligans, but that is not our way. We do not join the brigade of those who kill and destroy. But let no one mistake our silence for indifference, we are deeply concerned. In fact, we are often more concerned than even the government. If the government were as worried as I am, they would have acted immediately and decisively,” he explained.
Archbishop Kaigama added, “We only hope our message, whether acknowledged or not, reaches the right quarters so that action is taken to stop this senseless bloodshed. This behavior is primitive, and it must not be encouraged.”
He called for a proactive and just response from the government, urging Nigerian leaders to take concrete steps to protect all citizens, regardless of ethnicity or religion.
“I appeal to our leaders, especially in the North, to use their influence to calm frayed nerves. Innocent Southerners living in the North must not be made to pay for this crime. Violence only leads to more violence, and we must resist the urge for revenge,” Archbishop Kaigama said.
