Kukah: N’West Now Massive Crime Scene

•Catholic bishops kick against closure of schools in northern states during Ramadan

•Tinubu solicits prayers for leaders, nation’s stability, progress in holy month

Deji Elumoye, Onyebuchi Ezigbo and Linus Aleke in Abuja

Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Sokoto, Matthew Kukah, yesterday, said the North-west zone had become a massive crime scene.

Kukah stressed that over 20,000 people had lost their lives in 4,500 violent attacks in the North-west, according to available statistics.

He made the remarks while delivering a keynote address at the North-west Regional Conference on Women, Peace, and Security, organised by Global Rights, in collaboration with the UK Aid Foreign and Commonwealth Office, the Kukah Centre, the Isa Wali Empowerment Initiative, and others.

Speaking on the theme, “Sustaining Inclusive Peace-building Processes in North-west, Nigeria,” the Catholic clergy stated that the violence visited on the people of the North-west would not be resolved by military force or through political means alone.

He stated, “The indicators are not regular at all. We were told that in the North-west alone, 4,500 incidents of violent attacks were recorded, over 20,000 people lost their lives, and 76 per cent of the abductions that took place in northern Nigeria occurred in the North-west.

“The North-west has become a massive crime scene, and we cannot run away from that reality.

“As non-state actors or ordinary civilians, the truth is that it has become clear to us that the problems Nigeria faces now, and the violent extremism that has permeated our society, cannot be resolved by military force or through political means alone.

“Something different has to happen. I cannot prescribe what it is, but I think that a collective decision by ordinary men and women, children, and elders in communities can help build a wall of resilience.

“This resilience doesn’t necessarily stop people from coming in, but it gives us inner strength. Our collective survival would have to depend on how willing we are to work and stand together.”

He said there was no civilisation without a significant role and place for women in society, stressing, “In Africa, there are many horrible and bad cultural practices that have become predominant, which we must abandon.”

Meanwhile, Catholic Bishops in Nigeria expressed concern over recent decisions by some governors in northern Nigeria to close schools for five weeks during the Ramadan period.

A statement by the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN), signed by its President, Most Rev. Lucius IwejuruUgorji, and Secretary, Most Rev. Donatus A. Ogun, urged the federal government to intervene and ensure that the rights of all Nigerians, regardless of their faith or background, were protected.

They also urged the governors of the affected states to reconsider the decision and explore alternative arrangements that respected the rights and freedoms of all citizens.

Apart from violation of the country’s constitution, the bishops said the closure of schools for an extended period would undermine the people’s rights and jeopardise the education and future of millions of Nigerian children.

The statement said, “We, the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN), express deep concern over the recent declaration by some governors in northern Nigeria to close schools for five weeks during the Ramadan period.

“This decision, which affects not only Muslim students but also Christian students and Christian-owned schools, raises serious questions about the secular nature of our country and the rights of all citizens.”

Tinubu Solicits Prayers for Leaders, Nation’s Stability, Progress at Ramadan

President Bola Tinubu has solicited fervent prayers for the country’s leaders and the peace, stability and progress of the country, in the spirit of the holy month of Ramadan.

Tinubu said that was critical, as “the country stands at a defining moment”.

He pointed out that the responsibility of nation-building laid in the collective hands of all citizens.

Speaking at the State House Mosque during the opening Tafseer for the Month of Ramadan, the president, who was represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, urged Nigerians to go beyond fasting and embrace the values of peace, kindness, and justice.

Urging the faithful to pray for leaders at all levels, he said, “Above all, let us lift our voices in prayer for our leader, President Bola Tinubu. May Almighty Allah continue to guide him, bless him, and grant him wisdom, strength, and foresight to pilot the affairs of our great nation.

“May He protect him from every harm and grant him the success to lead Nigeria toward greater peace, unity, and prosperity. May his leadership be a source of blessings for all Nigerians, and may his efforts be rewarded abundantly in this life and the Hereafter.”

The president appealed to Nigerians to embrace compassion and unity during the period of fasting and prayer, describing it as “a journey of the soul” that can strengthen the country’s social fabric.

Tinubu stated, “Ramadan is not merely a ritual of abstaining from food and drink; it is a journey of the soul. It is a time for deep reflection, for self-purification, and for embracing the true essence of Islam—peace, patience, sacrifice, and service to humanity.

“This is the month that demands from us not only personal piety but also collective compassion—the kind that softens hearts, mends broken bonds, and strengthens the fabric of our nation.”

The president encouraged Nigerians to strengthen their bonds and reject forces that sought to divide the country. He reminded the citizens of the importance of national unity and collective responsibility in addressing the country’s challenges.

The presidentsaid, “Our country stands at a defining moment, and the responsibility of nation-building lies in our collective hands. Let us not only feed the hungry but uplift the weary; not only give charity but extend kindness; not only pray for peace but work for justice.”

He expressed gratitude for the moral guidance provided by religious leaders, and said they stood as the moral and spiritual compass of the country.

He added, “I want to take this moment to profoundly appreciate our religious leaders, who stand as the moral and spiritual compass of the nation, nurturing the consciousness of our society. Their role in shaping the ethical foundation of our nation is invaluable, and we remain indebted to their wisdom and leadership.”

On the essence of Ramadan, the president urged the faithful to “embark on the days of fasting and sacrifice with a heart full of goodwill and brotherhood.

“Let us not only feed the hungry, but uplift the weary; not only give charity, but extend kindness; not only pray for peace, but work for justice.”