Archbishop Ignatius Kaigama of Abuja administers the Sacrament of Confirmation in his archdiocese.
Archdiocese of Abuja
The bishops of the Province of Abuja said they were grateful for the continued growth in vocations and Mass attendance despite the security threats faced by Christians in Nigeria.
“We are eternally grateful to God for the significant increase in vocations to the priesthood and consecrated life, as well as the uninterrupted growth of the faith in the province,” said Archbishop Ignatius Kaigama of Abuja, in a pastoral statement delivered on 26 June alongside Bishop David Ajang of Lafia at St William’s Cathedral in Lafia, Nasarawa State.
Their statement addressed a range of social problems, including the dangers of unemployment hindering the potential of young people and leading some to involvement in crime. They urged national and local leaders to invest in youth initiatives.
The bishops said they “stand with those facing financial stress and urge the government to take swift action to alleviate their burden”. Politicians, they said, should connect with communities to engage with their challenges, especially in the current economic climate.
Following the kidnap of at least 10 priests in Nigeria in 2024, the bishops warned that insecurity in the province and across the nation undermined pastoral work, leading to the displacement of clergy and parishioners. They called on the government to address these challenges with “proactive measures to protect lives and properties”.
The former Archbishop of Abuja emphasised the importance of Catholic advocacy in an address on Catholic Social Teaching last week. Cardinal John Onaiyekan said bishops must speak out and criticise politicians for failures, saying that “silence in complicity”.
“As Catholic bishops, we are often interviewed and make powerful political statements. Nobody can stop us from doing that because it is part of our job,” he said. “We have a responsibility to teach the right things, even if it means facing criticism from politicians.”
Suicide attacks in Nigeria’s north-eastern Borno State killed at least 18 people and injured dozens more last week. Suspected female suicide bombers targeted a wedding, a funeral and a hospital.
In one attack, a woman carrying a baby on her back detonated an improvised explosive device at a crowded wedding ceremony in the town of Gwoza, near the border with Cameroon. Another attack was later carried out by a woman at the funeral for victims of the wedding blast.
Despite effective measures against Boko Haram in recent years, jihadists have continued to attack rural communities in Nigeria.
