As the Nine-Day National Prayer declared by the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) draws to a close today, June 29, 2025, Catholics across the country are gathering in parishes, homes, and communities to offer Masses and fervent prayers for peace, healing, and justice in Nigeria. This climactic day, coinciding with the Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul, culminates a national spiritual response to the renewed wave of killings in Benue State and other parts of the country.
The call to prayer, issued on June 19, was a direct response to the horrific massacre in Yelwata, Guma Local Government Area of Benue State, where over 200 people were brutally murdered in a night of terror, with entire families wiped out in their sleep. The CBCN, in a statement signed by its President, Most Rev. Lucius Iwejuru Ugorji, Archbishop of Owerri and Secretary, Most Rev. Donatus Ogun, OSA, Bishop of Uromi, deeply moved by the atrocity and its implications for national unity, called upon all Catholics and people of goodwill to unite in nine days of intercession.
“If one member suffers…”
Quoting 1 Corinthians 12:26, “If one member suffers, all suffer together,” the bishops called for solidarity with the victims of violence, particularly the grieving communities of Benue. The prayer initiative, which began on Saturday, June 21, invited individuals, families, and parishes to daily recite the Rosary and the ‘Prayer for Nigeria in Distress’. Today’s observance, according to the CBCN directive, is not just the conclusion of a prayer novena but a national liturgical moment.
The bishops instructed that Holy Mass be offered in all dioceses and parishes specifically for the following intentions: peace and healing in Nigeria, the repose of the souls of the victims, consolation for grieving families, protection of all Nigerians, and conversion of the perpetrators of violence. “On this final day, Sunday, 29 June, the Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul, Holy Mass should be offered across all dioceses and parishes for peace and healing in Nigeria,” the CBCN stated.
A Church that stands with the suffering
The bishops were unequivocal in their condemnation of the killings, describing them as “barbaric” and a grave affront to human dignity. The CBCN’s message also reaffirmed the Church’s spiritual and material solidarity with the victims. “To our suffering brothers and sisters in Benue State and across Nigeria wounded by violence, we assure you that the Church stands with you,” the statement read. Beyond words, the bishops have already provided emergency assistance to some of the affected communities and have announced plans for a CBCN delegation to visit the devastated regions as a sign of presence and solidarity.
The bishops expressed deep sorrow that such a call to prayer had to be made once again, barely two weeks after their previous statement on the Benue killings and the Mokwa flood. Yet, they held firm in hope that one day, Nigeria would no longer be a land of mourning, but of healing and thanksgiving. “We ardently pray that the day will soon come when such sorrowful interventions will no longer be necessary,” wrote Archbishop Lucius Ugorji, CBCN President, and Bishop Donatus Ogun, Secretary.
A national examination of conscience
Today’s final prayer observance also serves as a national examination of conscience for a country wearied by violence and a government often accused of inaction. Across homilies today, priests are expected to reflect on the themes of justice, reconciliation, and responsible leadership in the face of growing insecurity and systemic neglect.
The CBCN’s declaration, made with pastoral urgency, underscores the bishops’ role as moral shepherds of the nation. While they continue to urge state actors to fulfill their constitutional duty to protect lives and properties, the bishops have placed their trust in the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Queen and Patroness of Nigeria, and Christ, the Prince of Peace. “May our Lady… intercede for our nation. May Christ… heal our land,” the statement concluded.
