Catholic Bishop Warns Nigeria is Nearing a National Breaking Point

Religious and civic leaders in Nigeria are warning that the country is nearing a systemic collapse due to pervasive insecurity and economic hardship. Most Rev. Matthew Man-Oso Ndagoso, President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria, stated that citizens are deeply frustrated by governance failures and a lack of protection for life and property.

Ndagoso urged Nigerians to prioritize voter registration and participation for the 2027 general elections to prevent another wrong electoral choice. He noted that low turnout in 2023 resulted in the president being elected by approximately 3.52% of the total population.

These warnings coincide with a surge in mass abductions across several states. Over 300 students and 12 teachers were kidnapped from St. Mary’s Catholic School in Niger State, while 25 schoolgirls were taken from Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School in Kebbi State. Further attacks occurred at Government Day Secondary School in Borno State and in Zamfara State, where bandits abducted 50 villagers under the guise of peace negotiations. Critics characterize these events as evidence that the government is either incapable of protecting its citizens or complicit in the breakdown of order.