The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria has called on Christians and Muslims to use the Lenten and Ramadan seasons to pray, repent and promote peace in Nigeria.
In a communiqué issued after their meeting in Abuja, the bishops said it is significant that Lent this year coincides with Ramadan.
They described it as “not a mere coincidence but God’s invitation to work and live together in harmony and mutual respect.”
They urged Nigerians to “intensify their prayer life, works of charity, refrain from sin, and repent.”
They also encouraged both Christians and Muslims to “contribute to good neighbourliness and a better society.”
The bishops explained that the “Common Good” means creating conditions where everyone can live a dignified life.
They said it includes access to “food, clothing, health, work, education,” and peace and security.
The communiqué also addressed insecurity, describing “tragic events of senseless massacre, mass burials, endless tears, and grief” in parts of the country.
The bishops called on the government to invest in better surveillance technology and intelligence gathering.
They warned that delays in prosecuting terrorists create “the impression that government is complicit.”
They also criticised illegal mining and economic sabotage, saying trillions of naira are lost yearly.
They suggested using “drone technology and artificial intelligence (AI)” to monitor mining sites.
Concluding, the bishops said, “A better Nigeria is possible,” and urged citizens never to give in to despair.
