The bishops accused both governments of neglecting their primary responsibility to safeguard lives and maintain public security. 

The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria has strongly criticised the President Bola Tinubu-led Nigerian government and the Benue State government for their failure to protect lives amid the ongoing killings in the state. 

In a statement signed by Archbishop Lucius Iwejuru Ugorji, President of the CBCN, the bishops expressed "heavy hearts and deep anguish" over the "utterly barbaric" attacks on defenceless communities.

The bishops accused both governments of neglecting their primary responsibility to safeguard lives and maintain public security. 

"These cold-blooded attacks on defenseless communities where countless have been slaughtered, homes destroyed, and families left in anguish, are an affront to God, a stain on our shared humanity, and a terrifying reminder of the utter breakdown of security in our land".

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They emphasised that no amount of infrastructure development or regular salary payments could compensate for the loss of human life. 

"No matter how well a government pays salaries or builds roads, its failure to protect human lives renders its achievements hollow. The sanctity of human life is supreme. It is sacred. It is inviolable".

The bishops called on both state and federal authorities to take immediate and decisive action to restore peace, apprehend the perpetrators, and ensure justice for victims.

"The relentless attacks on innocent and defenseless communities under the watch of civil authorities constitute a grave moral and constitutional failure. This carnage must end!" Archbishop Ugorji added.

The bishops urged security agencies to step up their professionalism and put an end to the culture of impunity.

They also expressed solidarity with victims of the recent floods in Mokwa, Niger State, and called for urgent, coordinated relief and rehabilitation efforts to restore hope and dignity to the affected communities.