More than 200 Catholic churches have been destroyed and thousands of people killed during years of insurgency in Borno State and other parts of Nigeria’s North-East, the Auxiliary Bishop of Maiduguri Diocese, Most Rev. John Bogna Bakeni, has said.
Bakeni said the violence had caused widespread destruction, displacement and suffering across communities, affecting Christians and Muslims alike.
The bishop spoke during a Thanksgiving Mass in Osogbo, Osun State, held as part of activities marking the ongoing plenary meeting of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria.
He described the Catholic Diocese of Maiduguri as one of the most persecuted dioceses in Nigeria, saying it had endured years of attacks while continuing to serve communities affected by the insurgency.
According to Bakeni, the situation became particularly severe in 2014, when intensified attacks forced thousands of residents, including Catholics, to flee their homes and communities.
He said the destruction went beyond places of worship, as communities were disrupted, families displaced and lives lost during years of violence.
The bishop stressed that the consequences of the insurgency were not restricted to Christians, noting that Muslims and other residents of affected communities had also suffered from the attacks.
Despite the devastation, Bakeni said Catholic worship had continued in the Maiduguri Diocese, with congregations still attending Mass despite persistent security concerns.
He described the continued presence of worshippers as a demonstration of the resilience of communities that have endured prolonged insecurity.
Bakeni also appealed to Catholics and other Nigerians to continue praying for the Diocese of Maiduguri and communities affected by violence.
He said the experience of the North-East should serve as a reminder of the importance of protecting peace and preventing insecurity from spreading to other parts of the country.
The bishop’s remarks came as Catholic bishops from across Nigeria gathered for their plenary activities, where issues concerning the Church and wider society are being discussed.
The prolonged insurgency in the North-East has resulted in years of displacement and destruction, with communities in Borno and neighbouring states repeatedly affected by attacks and insecurity.
Bakeni urged Nigerians to appreciate peaceful communities and work to preserve them, warning against actions that could allow violence to take root.
He also called on Christians to remain committed to compassion, forgiveness and service, saying faith should be reflected in how people treat others, particularly during difficult times.
For communities that have lived through years of insurgency, the scale of destruction described by the bishop highlights the continuing human and social cost of the conflict and the challenge of rebuilding affected areas
Leave a comment