Archbishop Ignatius Ayau Kaigama of the Catholic Archdiocese of Abuja, Nigeria, has condemned the killing of 16 individuals in Uromi, Edo State, on March 28, 2025.
The Archbishop described the killings as “unacceptable, criminal, and sinful,” highlighting the growing ethnic and religious tensions in Nigeria as a major concern.
The victims, who were reportedly traveling from the northern part of Nigeria to celebrate Eid al-Fitr, were attacked by a mob of local vigilantes who accused them of being kidnappers. According to reports, the victims were restrained, forced to wear tires around their necks, and set on fire.
According to a report, Archbishop Kaigama emphasized the sanctity of life, stating, “The taking of any human life is not only criminal but sinful,” and decried the increasing violence and loss of innocent lives, including those of women and children.
The Archbishop also pointed out the failure of the Nigerian authorities to ensure accountability for such acts of violence. He expressed frustration with the lack of action from security agencies and called for a more proactive approach in addressing the root causes of violence. “Violence is not exclusive to Christians or Muslims. It is the handiwork of criminals who must be stopped,” he said. He also expressed concern about the rise of inflammatory rhetoric on social media, where threats of violence are issued with no repercussions. “People go online and issue threats, yet nothing happens to them,” he noted.
Addressing the criticism that religious leaders are not doing enough to speak out against violence, Archbishop Kaigama defended the clergy’s role, explaining that their approach is grounded in wisdom and peace-building, not in mob-like actions. He reiterated, “We do not join the brigade of those who kill and destroy,” but emphasized that the Church remains deeply concerned and hopes their messages of peace reach the right authorities.
The Archbishop called for Nigerian leaders to take decisive action to prevent further violence, particularly in the northern part of the country. He urged leaders in the North to use their influence to calm tensions, stating, “Innocent Southerners living in the North must not be made to pay for this crime.” He stressed that violence only breeds more violence and warned against revenge-driven actions.
Discussion about this post