As Nigeria battles rising insecurity, economic strain, and political unrest, Archbishop Ignatius Kaigama of Abuja has urged citizens and leaders to unite in rebuilding the nation with compassion and courage.
In his Easter message themed “The Light Shines in the Darkness, and the Darkness Cannot Overcome It” (John 1:5), Kaigama reminded the nation that Easter is not only a time for spiritual reflection but also a powerful call to collective action.
He lamented the recent acts of violence, including the killing of innocent travellers in Uromi, Edo State, and the repeated massacres in Plateau State’s Bokkos and Bassa areas.
“Our hearts are weighed down by grief,” he said, highlighting the deep emotional and moral toll such tragedies have inflicted on Nigerians.
Kaigama also drew attention to the worsening economic situation, warning that hunger now haunts many households.
“In a land richly blessed, families struggle to survive while children sleep on empty stomachs,” he noted, appealing to both government authorities and religious institutions to act with urgency and empathy.
Condemning the rising trend of kidnappings—particularly the targeting of priests and clergy—Kaigama described each attack as “a blow to the nation’s conscience.”
Addressing the recent state of emergency declared in Rivers State, the Archbishop cautioned against any actions that may worsen divisions.
“This is a time to seek dialogue over division. Power is fleeting, but unity and peace must endure. We must build bridges, not burn them,” he urged.
He also criticized the surge in divisive political rhetoric, warning politicians against putting electoral ambitions above governance.
“Nigeria is bleeding. Her people are hungry, insecure, and increasingly hopeless,” Kaigama stated, calling for a renewed focus on national security, economic revival, and the restoration of dignity for all.
