The Catholic bishops of the Onitsha Ecclesiastical Province have declared Friday, June 20, 2025, as a special day of prayer and fasting to ask God to stop the killings and insecurity happening in different parts of Nigeria.
In a letter signed by the Metropolitan Archbishop of Onitsha, Most Rev. Valerian Okeke, and Bishop of Abakaliki, Most Rev. Peter Chukwu, the bishops strongly condemned the recent violent attacks in the country. They described the killings as wicked, shameful, and a serious abuse of human life.
The bishops particularly mentioned the deadly attacks that took place in Yelawata, Benue State on June 13, and in Eha-Amufu, Enugu State on June 15. They said many people in Nigeria now live in fear because of the rising level of insecurity.
“We are deeply anguished and shocked by this relentless shedding of innocent blood in different parts of our beloved country, Nigeria,” the bishops wrote in the letter titled, ‘Urgent prayer request to stop bloodshed in Nigeria.’
They added, “We describe these acts as inhumane, barbaric and gross violation of the sanctity and dignity of human life.”
The bishops called on the Federal Government to take immediate steps to stop the bloodshed and restore peace and justice in Nigeria. They said it is the duty of leaders to protect the lives of citizens.
They also encouraged all Catholics, religious leaders, and people of goodwill in the province to join in the prayer and fasting on Friday, June 20. They said the main goal is to pray for peace and safety in Benue, Enugu, and all other troubled parts of the country.
“All priests and religious in our province should offer their Holy Masses, pray the Holy Rosary and Divine Office on Friday for this important purpose,” the bishops said.
They asked God to welcome the souls of the victims and comfort their families. They also asked the Blessed Virgin Mary, Queen of Peace and Queen of Nigeria, to intercede for the nation.
The bishops ended by saying that even though things look hard, Nigerians must continue to trust in God, because He is the one who can save the country.
