The Catholic bishops under the Onitsha Ecclesiastical Province have urged all faithful and religious communities across Nigeria to unite in prayer and fasting for peace in the country.
They declared Friday, the 20th of June, 2025, as a dedicated day for this purpose.
This announcement came through a formal letter from the Archdiocesan Secretariat, jointly signed by Most Rev. Valerian Okeke, the Metropolitan Archbishop of Onitsha and Chairman of the province, and Most Rev. Peter Chukwu, Bishop of Abakaliki and Secretary.
The bishops expressed deep concern over the widespread killings across Nigeria, pointing specifically to recent violent incidents in Benue and Enugu states. The letter, titled ‘Urgent prayer request to stop bloodshed in Nigeria’, was made available to reporters in Awka on the 19th of June, 2025.
The letter read in part: “We, the Catholic Bishops of Onitsha Ecclesiastical Province condemn in strongest terms, the recent gruesome massacre of our brothers and sisters in Benue State by the so-called herdsmen on Friday night, June 13, 2025.
“We also received credible information that similar senseless attacks and killings also took place in some parts of Eha-Amufu in Enugu State on Sunday, June 15, 2025. We are deeply anguished and shocked by this relentless shedding of innocent blood in different parts of our beloved country, Nigeria.
“We describe these acts as inhumane, barbaric and gross violation of the sanctity and dignity of human life. In many parts of Nigeria today, many people are living in constant fear due to insecurity.”
In response to the ongoing insecurity, the bishops urged the Federal Government to take urgent steps to stop the killings and prioritize the safety of all Nigerians. They also called on state and local governments to uphold their responsibilities in ensuring peace and justice.
They invited members of the province to take spiritual action through prayer and fasting.
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“In a very special way, we invite all priests and religious in our province to observe next Friday, June 20, 2025 as a special day of prayer and fasting.
“The intention is for peace and security, especially in Benue State, Enugu State and other parts of Nigeria where similar things are happening. We also pray for those who have lost their lives in these circumstances. We pray that God will receive their souls and console their families.
We request that, in addition to fasting, all priests and religious of our province dedicate their Holy Masses, Holy Rosaries and Divine offices this Friday, June 20, for this noble intention. We lift up our eyes to the mountain because our help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth. We appeal to Our Blessed Mother, Mary, Queen of peace and Queen of Nigeria to intercede for our country, Nigeria,” the letter added.
The bishops closed their message by reaffirming faith in divine help and urging all people of goodwill to remain steadfast in prayer as the country grapples with ongoing violence.