On Ash Wednesday, Catholics in Nigeria have decided to don black outfits as a way to mourn and honor the memory of those who lost their lives in the recent violent attacks and kidnappings around the country.
The Catholics Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) has urged the government to fulfill its duty of safeguarding the Nigerian people. They also emphasized the church’s moral responsibility in addressing these issues.
In a statement to be delivered during masses at Catholic churches on February 26, the CBCN announced, “As a mark of mourning for all our brothers and sisters who have been victims of the most recent wave of violence against Christians, we are all dressed in black today and offer our prayers and penance for their repose.”
The statement further invited the global church and all Christians to join in prayers for the deceased and for lasting peace and security in Nigeria. It also made an appeal to the international community for support in the Nigerian government’s efforts to combat the escalating terrorist activities threatening the nation.
The consequences of these acts, if allowed to thrive, are anticipated to be severe not only for the West African sub-region but for the entire continent of Africa.”
The message, signed by Augustine Akubeze and Camillus Umoh, president and secretary of CBCN respectively, follows the recent ‘prayer protests’ organized by the Christian Association of Nigeria across the nation, highlighting the alarming increase in killings.