“Over 200 Churches Destroyed, Thousands K!lled” — Catholic Bishop Raises Alarm Over Borno Insurgency

More than 200 Catholic churches have been destroyed across the Catholic Diocese of Maiduguri, while thousands of people, including Christians and Muslims, have reportedly been killed during years of insurgency in Nigeria’s North-East, Auxiliary Bishop of Maiduguri Diocese, Most Rev. John Bogna Bakeni, has said.

According to reports, Bakeni disclosed this while speaking at a Thanksgiving Mass held at St. Vincent De Paul Catholic Church, Ogo-Oluwa, Osogbo, as part of activities marking the ongoing plenary meeting of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria in Osun State.

The Mass was concelebrated with the Emeritus Archbishop of Abuja, Cardinal John Onaiyekan, and coincided with the commemoration of Saints Cornelius and Cyprian, Christian martyrs remembered for their commitment to their faith despite persecution.

Reflecting on the situation in the North-East, Bakeni described the Catholic Diocese of Maiduguri as one of the most persecuted dioceses in Nigeria, saying it had endured years of violence, destruction, displacement and attacks on communities.

He said more than 200 Catholic churches had been destroyed during the insurgency, while thousands of people had lost their lives and many others had been displaced.

Bakeni recalled that the situation became particularly severe in 2014, when intensified attacks forced thousands of Catholics to flee their homes and communities.

He stressed that the impact of the insurgency was not limited to Christians, noting that Muslims and other residents of affected communities had also suffered from the violence.

Despite the destruction and displacement, the bishop said the diocese had remained resilient and continued to conduct religious activities.

“We are surviving today as a diocese by the grace of God,” he said.

Bakeni said many Catholics remained committed to their faith despite threats, displacement and pressure to abandon their religious convictions.

He also spoke about the continued attendance at Masses despite security challenges, saying Catholics in the affected areas had continued to worship despite the risks associated with the insurgency.

“Our churches are full at every Mass. Guns are being shot and bombs are exploding, but Catholics remain in the churches,” he said.

The bishop urged Catholics across Nigeria to remember the Diocese of Maiduguri and communities affected by insecurity in their prayers.

He also used the occasion to call on Christians to demonstrate their faith through love, sacrifice, service and concern for others.

“If you do not love, your faith is useless,” Bakeni said.

He urged the faithful to uphold truth and avoid compromising their conscience for personal interests, stressing that religious commitment should be reflected in their daily conduct.

Bakeni further advised residents of Osun State to appreciate the relative peace in the state and avoid actions capable of threatening it.

He encouraged Nigerians to learn from the experience of communities affected by insurgency and work towards preventing violence from taking root in their own communities.

The bishop also called for continued prayers for victims of insecurity, security personnel and communities affected by violence, expressing confidence that the situation would eventually improve.

“Catholic Church is a persecuted Church. With God on our side, we will continue to march on,” he said.

Bakeni urged Catholics not to lose hope despite the challenges confronting the Church and appealed for continued prayers for the Diocese of Maiduguri and Christians living in areas affected by insurgency.