Borno Insurgency: Maiduguri Diocese Counts Over 200 Churches Lost, Thousands Dead

Auxiliary Bishop Most Rev. John Bogna Bakeni of the Maiduguri Diocese has disclosed that the protracted insurgency plaguing Nigeria’s North-East region has resulted in the destruction of over 200 Catholic churches within his jurisdiction. He further reported that thousands of individuals, comprising both Christians and Muslims, have tragically lost their lives due to the prolonged violence.

Bishop Bakeni characterized the Catholic Diocese of Maiduguri as among the most severely persecuted ecclesiastical territories in Nigeria, yet he affirmed its continued existence through years marked by violence, widespread destruction, mass displacement, and relentless community assaults. His remarks were made during a Thanksgiving Mass, which he concelebrated alongside the Emeritus Archbishop of Abuja, Cardinal John Onaiyekan. The service took place at St. Vincent De Paul Catholic Church, Ogo-Oluwa, Osogbo, forming part of the events for the ongoing plenary meeting of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria in Osun State.

This particular Mass also commemorated the martyrdom of Saints Cornelius, a Pope, and Cyprian, a Bishop, both revered for their unwavering steadfastness and supreme sacrifice for the Christian faith. Bishop Bakeni implored the congregation to derive inspiration from the lives of these two martyrs, emphasizing their bravery in upholding their religious convictions even when faced with persecution and existential threats.

He also suggested that the occasion should serve as a moment for Catholics to introspect and evaluate if their actions genuinely align with the faith they publicly declare. The core of the Bishop's message to the attendees was that authentic Christian belief must be manifested through acts of love, self-sacrifice, and genuine concern for fellow human beings. "If you do not love, your faith is useless,” he asserted.

Furthermore, the Bishop cautioned against intentionally twisting the truth or misrepresenting wrong as right for personal gain. He stressed that Christians bear the responsibility to discern truth, take accountability for their deeds, and prevent personal motives from corrupting their conscience. He encouraged believers to frequently self-examine to ensure their conduct aligns with the doctrines of Jesus Christ.

Bakeni stated that the exemplary lives of Saints Cornelius and Cyprian ought to inspire Catholics to maintain unwavering faith, especially when faced with adversity. Drawing upon his firsthand experience within the Catholic Diocese of Maiduguri, the Bishop expounded at length on the formidable challenges confronting the Church due to the insurgency in the North-East. He depicted the Maiduguri Diocese as a community that has withstood prolonged periods of violence, devastation, and displacement, yet, by divine grace, has managed to persist.

He reiterated that over 200 Catholic churches were demolished throughout the years of the insurgency, with thousands of lives lost and countless individuals uprooted from their ancestral communities. He specifically referenced the year 2014, when escalating attacks compelled thousands of Catholic faithful to abandon their residences and settlements.

Bishop Bakeni clarified that the insurgency's repercussions were not confined solely to Christians, as Muslims and other inhabitants of the impacted regions also bore the brunt of the violence. Notwithstanding the extensive devastation, Bakeni affirmed the enduring resilience of the Catholic Diocese of Maiduguri. He declared, “We are surviving today as a diocese by the grace of God.”

He highlighted that a profound testament from this era of insecurity was the unwavering resolve of many Catholics to adhere to their faith, even amidst threats, forced displacement, and immense pressure. He recounted how some Christians, subjected to intense coercion to renounce their beliefs, steadfastly refused to convert and instead continued their affiliation with the Catholic Church. This decision, he noted, powerfully showcased their profound commitment to their religious convictions despite the arduous conditions.

Bakeni further shared that Catholic liturgical services have persistently continued within the diocese despite ongoing security threats, with congregations consistently filling Masses. He stated, “Our churches are full at every Mass. Guns are being shot and bombs are exploding, but Catholics remain in the churches.” He credited the Church's sustained existence in the region to divine grace and the fervent prayers of Christians.

Consequently, the Bishop appealed to Catholics in Osun State and across Nigeria to keep the Diocese of Maiduguri in their prayers. He admonished the assembly, “Don’t allow anything to rob you of your peace.” Bakeni also implored the inhabitants of Osun State to cherish the comparative tranquility they experience and to refrain from any actions that could jeopardize it. He characterized Osun as one of Nigeria’s most peaceful states and cautioned its residents against complacency regarding this peace. Repeating his earlier plea, he told the congregation, “Don’t allow anything to rob you of your peace.” He encouraged individuals to value the fundamental privilege of retiring to bed safely, sleeping soundly, and awakening without apprehension. “You are blessed. You should thank God that you can go to bed, sleep and wake up,” he remarked. The Bishop concluded by asserting that Maiduguri’s ordeal should serve as a poignant reminder to all Nigerians about the critical need to safeguard peace and prevent the escalation of violence.