Archbishop Ignatius Kaigama of the Catholic Archdiocese of Abuja has urged Nigerians, both Christians and Muslims, to embrace love and unity as children of God, rather than resorting to violence and conflict. He also reiterated his appeal for strategic assistance and logistical support from leaders, specifically mentioning former US President Donald Trump, to help Nigeria combat its persistent terrorism and insecurity.
Kaigama stated that such external intervention is crucial "to see how all Nigerians can be saved from the hands of these persons who have consistently and persistently taken the lives of Nigerians, whether Christians or Muslims, without the slightest compunction."
In his Easter message for 2026, themed "Peace, Not War: Avoiding the Cruelty of Good Friday in Our Nation," the Archbishop advised citizens to remain discerning and reject empty promises or divisive rhetoric as the 2027 general elections approach. He encouraged them to support leaders who possess integrity and competence.
"As we look ahead to the elections of 2027, this Easter season calls us to a deeper sense of responsibility as citizens… Do not be swayed by empty promises or divisive rhetoric. Instead, seek and vote for leaders who demonstrate integrity, competence, and a genuine commitment to the common good," he advised.
The cleric underscored the importance of peaceful coexistence among Nigeria's varied ethnic and religious populations.
"We, Nigerians, Africans, Christians, Muslims must learn to love each other just the way we are. We do not need to commit massacres or ethnic cleansing… We are all God’s children," he asserted.
He expressed deep concern over the ongoing violence in numerous parts of the country, including Plateau, Kaduna, Benue, Niger, Borno, Adamawa, Taraba, and Zamfara states, highlighting the continuous loss of innocent lives.
"These are not rumours. These are documented realities… Churches have been burned, priests and pastors kidnapped, villages overrun, Muslims attacked and killed while at prayer," he noted.
Kaigama criticised the perceived weak response to the security crisis, suggesting that government interventions often occur only after significant loss of life and destruction of communities.
"So far, the government’s response… has been weak at best and negligent at worst," he declared, cautioning that the situation could deteriorate if immediate measures are not implemented.
He clarified that his earlier calls for US involvement were misunderstood, emphasizing that he sought practical, strategic support rather than arming any particular religious group, and aimed to bolster Nigeria's overall security framework.
"My call… was for strategic support, for logistics to cripple the activities of these perpetrators of evil… Both Christians and Muslims are victims," he clarified.
The Archbishop stressed that Easter symbolises hope, regeneration, and the triumph of light over darkness, urging Nigerians to maintain hope despite the present difficulties.
"Our hope must not be passive. It demands courage, integrity, and a commitment to a righteous way of living… Let us reject corruption, be agents of peace, and stand for truth," he implored.
He also called on leaders to prioritize public service over personal gain.
"Leadership is a sacred trust… The power you hold is given for the purpose of service, not self-enrichment," he stated.
Kaigama further advocated for mutual respect between religious communities, noting that Christianity and Islam have a long history of coexistence in Nigeria and cannot be eradicated.
He warned that insecurity is fueled by entities aiming for control over land, power, and resources, urging a unified approach to resolve the crisis.
Comments (0)
You must be logged in to comment.
Be the first to comment on this article!