By John Moses
In response to the ongoing wave of deadly violence in Benue State, the Catholic Church in Nigeria has announced a nine-day national prayer campaign seeking divine intervention, healing, and the repentance of those responsible for the bloodshed.
The announcement was made on Sunday via a joint statement signed by Archbishop Lucius Iwejuru Ugorji, President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) and Archbishop of Owerri, and Bishop Donatus Aihmiosion Ogun, CBCN Secretary and Bishop of Uromi Diocese in Edo State.
The initiative comes amid growing outrage over continued attacks in Benue, which have led to widespread displacement and loss of life. President Bola Tinubu recently visited the region in a show of solidarity and has since established a reconciliation committee to explore long-term peace solutions.
According to the CBCN, the nine-day prayer programme includes the daily recitation of the Rosary and the “Prayer for Nigeria in Distress,” culminating in a nationwide Holy Mass on Sunday, 29 June.
“This special period of prayer seeks divine intervention to convert the hearts of those who inflict suffering and to bring healing to our wounded nation,” the bishops said.
They also extended their compassion to the victims of violence, stating: “To our suffering brothers and sisters in Benue and across Nigeria, we assure you that the Church stands with you.”
The bishops confirmed that emergency assistance has already been sent to some affected communities and pledged to undertake a solidarity visit to further offer moral and spiritual support.
In their appeal, they called on all Catholics and people of goodwill to join in the spiritual campaign, voicing hope for a future where “sorrowful interventions” give way to national peace and thanksgiving.
