Catholic Church in Nigeria

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Nigerian bishops discourage military intervention in Niger after coup

August 8, 2023 Catholic News Agency 1
Niger’s National Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland Colonel-Major Amadou Abdramane (center), General Mohamed Toumba (center-left), and Colonel Ousmane Abarchi (right) are greeted upon their arrival at the Stade General Seyni Kountche in Niamey, Niger, on Aug. 6, 2023. / Credit: AFP via Getty Images

Washington, D.C. Newsroom, Aug 8, 2023 / 07:25 am (CNA).

Nigerian Catholic bishops are discouraging the leaders of Western African nations from using military intervention in the neighboring country of Niger after the government’s military ousted its president and installed a general as the new head of state. 

Less than two weeks ago, senior military officials deposed Niger President Mohamed Bazoum and presidential guard commander Gen. Abdourahamane Tchiani announced himself as leader.

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) threatened military intervention if Niger’s military refused to restore democracy within one week. The deadline passed on Sunday, but the coup leaders remain in power.

In response to the threat, some Nigerian groups are discouraging Western African countries from using military intervention and are encouraging diplomacy instead. Nigeria is positioned just north of Niger and shares a nearly 1,000-mile border with the country.

The president of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria, Archbishop Lucius Iwejuru Ugorji, is urging Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to dissuade Western African countries from using military intervention despite the deadline passing. 

“At the end of their meeting, [ECOWAS] gave the coup plotters one week to restore democratic leadership in Niger or risk military intervention,” Ugorji said during a pastoral visit to Mary Mother of God Catholic Parish, according to the Nigerian newspaper Vanguard. 

“This marching order [expired Sunday],” Ugorji added. “They reasoned that it is wrong to change government by force. They are correct, but we also believe that shedding precious human blood is equally wrong. Two wrongs can never make a right.”

“We are begging President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to dissuade ECOWAS heads of states to resist the temptation of going to war against the coup plotters,” Ugorji said. “We beg them to stop the imminent bloodshed that will trail the military intervention. We have wasted a lot of human blood in Africa. We have also wasted precious human lives in Nigeria and we cannot continue in this ugly fashion, for whatever reason,” the archbishop said.

Ugorji noted that some countries are supporting the coup and suggested ECOWAS “think of what should be the fate of the organization” if Western African countries intervene.

“The media is awash with the news of some countries that have already declared their full support for the country and their military strongmen,” the archbishop continued. “Russia may also be there, without our knowing. While we say no to coup d’etat, we also say no to war, for whatever reason. We say no manipulation of election results because it is also another shade of coup d’etat.”

The United States government, which had strong relations with the country’s ousted president, condemned the coup and paused some foreign assistance programs in Niger.

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Nigeria’s Diocese of Kafanchan appeals for ‘intense prayers’ for abducted priest

June 13, 2023 Catholic News Agency 1
The Diocese of Kafanchan in Nigeria said Father Jeremiah Yakubu was taken from his parish’s rectory on Sunday, June 11. / Credit: Diocese of Kafanchan

ACI Africa, Jun 13, 2023 / 11:00 am (CNA).

The Diocese of Kafanchan in Nigeria is calling for “intense prayers” for the safe and quick release of Father Jeremiah Yakubu, who was kidnapped on Sunday, June 11.

In a statement shared with ACI Africa, CNA’s African news partner, on Monday, the chancellor of the diocese announced “with great pain” the news of Yakubu’s abduction.

Father Emmanuel Uchechukwu Okolo said Yakubu, a priest from Holy Trinity Parish in Karku, was taken from the rectory at about 11 p.m. on Sunday.

“While we solicit for an intense prayer for his quick and safe release, we equally call on all to refrain from taking the law into their [own] hands,” Okolo said.

He added that diocesan leadership “will use every legitimate means to ensure his quick and safe release.”

“May Jesus, crucified on the cross, listen to our prayers and hasten the unconditional release of his priest and all other kidnapped persons,” Okolo said.

Yakubu’s abduction is the latest in a series of kidnappings and murders in Nigeria involving members of the clergy, seminarians, and other Christians. 

On June 7, Father Charles Onomhoale Igechi of Benin City Archdiocese, who was set to mark his first anniversary as a priest in August, was shot dead while returning from pastoral duties.

On June 2, Father Stanislaus Mbamara, a priest ministering in Nigeria’s Nnewi Diocese, was kidnapped and later set free.

Officials of the Christian Association of Nigeria have urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who was sworn in on May 29, to prioritize the security concerns and economic struggles of the people of God in the West African nation. 

“Nigeria is facing a number of challenges that require strong and decisive leadership. From security concerns to economic struggles, it is clear that there is much work to be done in order to ensure that Nigeria can reach its full potential,” Rev. Daniel Okoh said May 29.

Earlier, Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah of the Sokoto Diocese called upon the new president of Nigeria to identify what is behind the “scars, wounds, and injuries” of Nigerians even as he prioritizes their healing.

This story was first published by ACI Africa, CNA’s news partner in Africa. It has been adapted by CNA.

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