Pax Christi Media

13/08/2026

VATICAN CITY — Pope Leo XIV has urged Catholics to prioritize attending Sunday Mass, warning that active participation in the Eucharist cannot be replaced by virtual gatherings.

“I urge everyone to seek the best possible conditions so that even those who are unable to take time off work on Sundays may take part in holy Mass,” Leo said.

In his address during his general audience at the Vatican on Aug. 12, the pontiff continued his catechesis on the Second Vatican Council’s constitution on the liturgy, Sacrosanctum Concilium.

https://www.ewtnnews.com/vatican/pope-leo-xiv-attendance-at-sunday-mass-cannot-be-replaced-by-virtual-participation

12/08/2026

Bishop Mark Nzukwein takes the story of violent attacks on communities in Wukari Diocese and other parts of Nigeria to Palm Beach Diocese, USA.

29/07/2026

ADDRESS BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE CATHOLIC BISHOPS' CONFERENCE OF NIGERIA DURING A COURTESY VISIT TO HIS EXCELLENCY, PRESIDENT BOLA AHMED TINUBU, GCFR ON 28 JULY 2026

PARTNERS IN BUILDING A JUST, PEACEFUL AND PROSPEROUS NIGERIA

Mr. President,

1. Greetings: I bring you warm greetings and prayers from all the members of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria. I am Archbishop Matthew Man-Oso Ndagoso, the Archbishop of Kaduna and the newly elected President of our Conference. I thank you immensely for granting us this audience, which offers us the opportunity to share with you some of our observations and genuine concerns about our country. This ensures the continuity of our collaborative engagement in the task of building a healthy nation that all of us would be proud to belong to: “a nation of justice, love and peace.”

2. The Visit of Archbishop Gallagher: Your Excellency, may we use this opportunity to express our gratitude to you and the Ministry of External Affairs for the warm reception that you gave to the Holy See’s Secretary for Relations with States and International Organisations, Archbishop Paul Gallagher, during his recent visit on the occasion of the fiftieth anniversary of Diplomatic Relations between the Holy See and the Federal Republic of Nigeria. We, as Nigerians and Catholics, are happy to share the two identities and proud of the healthy and unbroken relations between the two states. We believe that the relations will bear perceptible fruits for Christianity and Christians in our country. This, Mr. President, is a time when many Christians have legitimate concerns about their place in Nigeria, especially regarding the departure from the Christian/Muslim presidency, and we hope that, through deliberate government policies, those concerns will be addressed and Christians will be reassured of their rights as citizens. We expect that you will take steps to soothe frayed nerves and address the concerns.

3. Quality tertiary education and the challenge of limited spaces: Mr. President, Sir, you have shown a commitment to giving hope and succour to our youth through NELFund, the Student Loan Initiative. This deserves commendation. Unfortunately, by global standards, Nigeria does not as yet have enough universities to cater for a bulging youth population. Only a tiny fraction of the persons seeking admission into the university actually get it, owing to limited number of places available. We therefore hope that the recent moratorium placed by the National Universities Commission (NUC) on the establishment of new private universities does not cancel out the gains of NELFund.

4. Sustaining the gains of the democratic experience: Mr. President, on matters of the state, we are genuinely concerned by fears expressed across the country on the fate of opposition politics. You have a track record of having been in active opposition. Many voices are screaming over what they consider to be the constriction of the political space, with some fearing that a one-party state is being anticipated. Whether these fears are genuine or not, can only be tested by the signals citizens receive from Your Excellency as the leader of the party in power. To this end, we urge you to encourage elected political office holders who are members of your party – Governors, members of the National Assembly, Local Government Chairmen – to ensure that a genuine level playing field is maintained and that focus is placed on making everyone see that the rules and processes are fair to all and respected by all. As a man who risked so much in the struggle for the return of democratic rule in the dark days of military dictatorship, your greatest legacy would be the strengthening of our democratic institutions.

5. Credible elections for the avoidance of disaster: Furthermore, there have been growing concerns about the electoral processes. We note the efforts being made to ensure that the elections are free, fair and credible. Sadly, there is an increasing feeling of disenchantment with the clear manipulation of the electoral processes, and the collective feeling that people’s votes do not count. Lower voter turnouts are a mark of distrust in the electoral processes. It is our hope that you be on the forefront in demanding that the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, delivers credible elections, to ensure that Nigeria is set on the path of national development and integrity. This ought to start with making voters’ cards easily available to all eligible voters and end with election results that reflect the true choice of Nigerians. Adequate and timely funding of INEC is required to ensure that the Agency inspires the confidence of citizens. Anything short of transparent, free, fair and credible elections in 2027 would be an invitation to avoidable disaster against which all well-meaning Nigerians have been praying. We urge that the conduct of the political class should be in tune with the voices we lift to God in prayer.

6. But we need to be alive and secure first: Mr. President, we congratulate you for the recent successful release of the kidnapped school children and their teachers in Oyo State. The arrest of some of the kidnappers and their speedy prosecution is one of the few positive indicators of what a willing government and its agencies could do to protect the life and property of the citizens. We commend you for this and for other such cases in recent times. Unfortunately, these remain few and isolated exceptions. Our nation still remains a favourable destination for terrorism, banditry and high levels of insecurity that threaten our collective existence. Schools, places of worship, homes, farms, rural roads and highways. Nowhere is safe anymore, as bandits and criminals freely carry away scores of worshippers and schoolchildren, even in broad daylight undisturbed, kidnap and butcher simple as well as high profile citizens mercilessly and unapologetically. Our sovereignty is at stake and, even by African standards, our insecurity continues to diminish our standing and our ability to serve as the leader of Africa.

7. Worsening quality of life, suffering and pain: When the security situation in the country is taken together with the deterioration and near collapse of the power sector, the sorry state of our roads, the economic hardship, one wonders how much of the renewed hope agenda flaunted by your administration is being realised. Mr President, our nation is bleeding. The citizens are suffering and crying. Not only on account of the constant threat to their life by criminal elements, but also because of some policies of government whose promised positive effects have been delayed too long before being felt. You have said a couple of times that you hear their cries and feel their pain. But words are not enough. They expect concrete action that engenders some change in their condition.

8. Pope Leo XIV among us will strengthen our collective prayers and efforts: Finally, we believe that the problems and burden of our nation require a sincere commitment to good governance for the common good to the glory of God. We continue to pray for our dear country and appeal to you to take seriously our pleas for greater collaboration between the Church and the State for the overall wellbeing of our people. We believe that Mr President is aware that the Holy Father, Pope Leo holds our country very close to his heart and constantly prays for us. During our visit to him in March this year, he was quite enthusiastic about a visit to Nigeria on a date in the future. As you know, Sir, that will only happen if you invite him. We request that this be done soon. Our land and its people will benefit immensely from his presence and blessing.
9. Two particular requests: Mr. President, we respectfully place two specific requests before Your Excellency. First, we ask that Your Excellency give favourable consideration to the request on the return of mission schools to their original proprietors. We recall that this matter was raised during our meeting with you last year, and we remain hopeful that your Government will take the necessary steps towards its implementation.
Second, in the light of the Supreme Court judgment of 10 February 2026 affirming the constitutional right of Muslim students at Rivers State University to freedom of religion and worship, we respectfully request that Your Excellency direct the appropriate Ministries, Departments and Agencies of Government to ensure that this same constitutional principle is faithfully implemented throughout the Federation. In particular, we appeal that Christians, especially in the northern part of the country, who continue to face difficulties in acquiring land for the construction of churches or in freely exercising their right to worship, should enjoy the same constitutional rights and protection accorded to all Nigerians. Equal citizenship must be reflected not only in law but also in practice.
Once again, we thank you very sincerely for granting us this audience. We pray that the Almighty and merciful God may grant you the wisdom and strength to lead our nation and all its citizens towards that greatness that God has destined for us.

✠Matthew Man-Oso NDAGOSO
Archbishop of Kaduna
President, CBCN

18/07/2026

15/07/2026

16/06/2026

MESSAGE TO THE PEOPLE OF GOD IN JOS ECCLESIASTICAL PROVINCE AT THE END OF THE INTERACTIVE FORUM BETWEEN BISHOPS OF JOS PROVINCE AND CHAPLAINS AND LEADERS OF LAY ASSOCIATIONS AT THE CATECHETICAL TRAINING INSTITUTE (CTI), SHENDAM, FROM 10TH TO 12TH JUNE 2026.

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
Grace and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

We, the Bishops, Chaplains, and Leaders of Lay Associations, societies, pious sodalities, and organizations in Jos Ecclesiastical Province, gathered at the Catechetical Training Institute (CTI), Shendam, from 10th to 12th June and after prayerful reflection, dialogue, and consultation on matters affecting life and mission of the Church in our Province, we resolved to communicate the following message to the faithful of Jos ecclesiastical Province:

1. Unity Among CWO and Zumuntan Mata

Recognizing the need for greater collaboration and unity among Catholic women organizations in the Province, we mandate the Provincial Chaplain for Women to commence consultations and engagements at all levels of the Church—Parish, Deanery, Diocesan, and Provincial levels—working closely with respective chaplains and leaders of the various women's groups.

The Provincial Chaplain for Women shall coordinate this process of dialogue, facilitate mutual understanding, identify areas of common interest, and work towards building a framework that will foster greater unity, collaboration, and effective participation among Catholic women's organizations in the Province. The outcome of these consultations shall be presented at the next Provincial Forum in 2027 for further consideration and possible resolution.

A similar process is encouraged regarding the relationship and collaboration between the Catholic Men Organization (CMO) and Zumunta Maza Katolika (ZMK) with a view to strengthening unity, cooperation, and common witness within the Church.

2. Chaplaincy in Secular Institutions

To ensure proper pastoral care of young people in our institutions, where possible, and ecclesiastical coordination, where a priest is to be appointed as chaplain to secular institution, the Bishop of the diocese in which the institution is located shall have the responsibility of appointing the chaplain.

3. Institute for Pastoral Affairs (IPA), Bukuru

We encourage all priests, religious, lay faithful, associations, and organizations within the Province to take full advantage of the Institute for Pastoral Affairs (IPA), Bukuru. This institution belongs to all of us and serves as an important centre for formation, leadership development, pastoral renewal, and evangelization through printing.

We urge all Catholics, dioceses, parishes, and organizations to patronize and support the Institute zealously as our common heritage and a valuable instrument for strengthening the mission of the Church in Jos Province.

4. Worsening Insecurity, Poverty, and High Cost of Living in Our Nation

We express deep concern over the worsening insecurity, pains, poverty, and high cost of living affecting many parts of our country. We continue to pray for all victims of violence, kidnapping, displacement, and other forms of suffering. We encourage all Church organizations, societies, and groups to take security concerns seriously when planning meetings, programmes, and gatherings. Where possible and practical, meetings that do not require physical presence should be conducted online in order to safeguard lives and property.

While remaining vigilant, we must not lose hope, but continue to trust in God and work together for peace, justice, and security.
We pray that all those in captivity, especially those abducted in Oyo and Borno, will be safely released and reunited with their families. For those who have died, may God grant them eternal rest. Amen.

5. Catholics and Political Participation

We once again call on Catholic lay faithful to overcome the long-held notion that politics is a "dirty game" that should be avoided by Christians.
Politics remains an important avenue for service, leadership, and the promotion of the common good. We therefore encourage lay Catholics to:
Register and actively participate in political parties.
Obtain their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs).
Participate responsibly in elections.
Aspire to elective and appointive public offices and political life.
Bring Christian values and moral principles into public life.

Furthermore, we urge the Catholic Social Forum, Catholic Action, and the Justice, Development and Peace Commission (JDPC) to intensify efforts in civic education
and conscience formation and to develop practical strategies that will encourage and support greater Catholic participation in governance and nation-building.

6. Leadership as Service

Leadership within the Church must always be understood as a call to service. Following the example of our Lord Jesus Christ, who came not to be served but to serve, all leaders are encouraged to exercise their responsibilities with humility, integrity, accountability, sacrifice, and genuine concern for the welfare of God's people.

7. National Youth Day 2026

We invite all Catholic faithful to support the forthcoming National Youth Day scheduled to take place in Jos from 19th -23rd of August 2026.

In order to meet the demands and financial requirements of hosting this important national event, the Bishops have approved that every Catholic youth within the Province, whether a member of CYON or any other youth organization or not, should contribute the sum of One Thousand Naira (N1,000) towards the success of the programme.

Furthermore, each diocese in Jos Ecclesiastical Province is expected to be represented by not fewer than twenty (20) youths at the event. We encourage all dioceses to begin preparations and mobilization immediately to ensure full participation.

As the host Archdiocese, Jos is expected to mobilize a much larger number of Catholic youths and to provide the leadership and support necessary for the successful hosting of the National Youth Day. We therefore call on all parishes, schools, chaplaincies, associations, and families within the Archdiocese of Jos to embrace this responsibility wholeheartedly and generously.

8. Accountability and Support for the Church.

We remind all Church societies, organizations, and associations that they are integral parts of the mission of the Church.

Therefore, they are encouraged to remain transparent, accountable, loyal, and responsible in their administration and activities. Associations should continually seek ways of supporting the mission and growth of the Church through their resources, talents, and initiatives, rather than depending solely on the Church for their development and sustenance.

We decry the seeming tendency of some societies operating as a "Church" within the church.

9. Appointment of Provincial Chaplain of the Legion of Mary, Knight of St. Mulumb, YCSN and Catholic Laity Council of Nigeria.

We are pleased to announce the appointment of Rev. Fr. Philip Dung of the Archdiocese of Jos as the Provincial Chaplain of the Legion of Mary, Fr Godfrey Gopep of Jos Archdiocese has been appointed provincial chaplain for the Knights of St Mulumba, Fr. William Golit has been appointed provincial chaplain for the Catholic Laity Council, and Fr. Ekwonna Emmanuel has been appointed provincial chaplain for the YCSN.

We congratulate them on this appointment and pray that God will grant them wisdom, strength, and abundant graces as they undertake this important responsibility.

10. Awards and merits in the church

The church recognizes faithful stewardship, volunteer service, and spiritual leadership. However, we strongly advise that these awards should not be based on monetary terms but should be given by merit. We therefore encourage that before such awards are given, proper vetting and consultations be made by the recognized church authority.

11.Conclusion

Dear brothers and sisters, the challenges facing our Church and nation call for greater unity, commitment, and witness to the Gospel. This is not a time for division, indifference, or discouragement. Rather, it is a time to deepen our faith, strengthen our communion, and renew our commitment to the mission entrusted to us by Christ.

We encourage all the faithful to remain steadfast in faith, fervent in prayer, active in charity, committed to justice, and dedicated to the service of God and neighbor. Together, let us continue to build a Church that is alive, united, missionary, and responsive to the needs of our time. May the Lord continue to strengthen our families, bless our dioceses, guide our leaders, protect our nation, and grant us the grace to work together for the growth of His Kingdom.

May the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of the Church and Queen of Peace, intercede for us all.

Signed
+Most Rev Matthew Audu Ishaya.
Chairman

+Most Rev Mark M. Nzukwein
Secretary

26/05/2026

89 CANDIDATES RECEIVE THE SACRAMENT OF CONFIRMATION, 10 CANDIDATES BAPTISED, 15 COUPLES WED AS ST PHILIP PARISH GINDIN DOROWA CELEBRATE 40TH ANNIVERSARY

Pentecost Sunday, 24th May, 2026 was a day of great joy and thanksgiving for the priests and parishioners of St. Philip Parish, Gidin Dorowa, Wukari Diocese,Taraba State as the parish celebrated her 40th anniversary. The celebration was marked with a Pastoral visit to the parish by Most Rev Mark Maigida Nzukwein, the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Wukari. During the celebration which lasted for two days the Bishop administered the Sacrament of Baptism to 10 candidates, the Sacrament of Confirmation to 89 candidates, while 15 couples wedded.

In his Pentecost homily, the Bishop reminded the faithful of the importance of living under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, noting that, Pentecost is a celebration of renewal, unity, courage, and the mission of the Church. He encouraged Christians to remain steadfast in faith, prayer, and love while allowing the Holy Spirit to transform their lives and families.

The bishop in his speech during the anniversary celebration, congratulated the faithful of St. Philip Parish Gidin Dorowa on attaining 40 years of growth and service in God’s vineyard. He urged the parish community to continue promoting peace, unity, evangelization, and active participation in the life of the Church.

The celebration was marked by joyful liturgical activities, thanksgiving, and a renewed commitment by the faithful to the mission of Christ and His Church.

12/05/2026

The Catholic Diocese of Wukari, on behalf of the IDPs, are grateful to the clergy and Laity of Jalingo Diocese.

09/05/2026

CATHOLIC DIOCESE OF WUKARI END GENERAL ASSEMBLY WITH CELEBRATION CELEBRATION OF 3RD ANNIVERSARY

The Catholic Diocese of Wukari has ended her 3rd General Assembly on 8th March, 2023. The Assembly ended with the celebration of Holy Mass marking the 3rd Anniversary of the er****on of the Diocese presided over by Bishop Mark Maigida Nzukwein.
During the Mass the Diocese issued a communique emanating from discussions on the theme of the Assembly: "The Role Of The Church In The Quest For Political Reform And Good Governance In Nigeria"
The Communique which was co-signed by the Bishop Most Revd Mark Maigida Nzukwein and the Chancellor of the Diocese, Very Revd Fr Simon Akuraga addresses the role of the Church in the pursuit of good governance; Civic Responsibility through Political participation; political leadership and the necessity for electoral reforms in order to guarantee credible elections in Nigeria. The Diocese also strongly appealed to the Taraba State Government to see to the return of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) back to their communities so as to mitigate the negative effects of the attacks they have suffered since September, 2023 by Fulani Ethnic Militia in Donga and Takum Local Government Areas.
The Communique reads:
COMMUNIQUE ISSUED AT THE END OF THE 3RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE CATHOLIC DIOCESE OF WUKARI HELD AT ST MARY CATHEDRAL HALL, WUKARI, TARABA STATE, NIGERIA, 4TH – 8TH MAY, 2026.
PREAMBLE
We, the Bishop, Priests, Consecrated Persons and the Lay Faithful of the Catholic Diocese of Wukari, held our 3rd General Assembly at St Mary Cathedral Hall, Wukari from 4th to 8th May, 2026. Having prayerfully reflected and deliberated on the theme: “THE ROLE OF THE CHURCH IN THE QUEST FOR POLITICAL REFORM AND GOOD GOVERNANCE IN NIGERIA”, hereby issue this Communiqué.
1. GRATITUDE
The last eight months have been tumultuous for our diocese occasioned by violent attacks in Southern Taraba which led to loss of lives and destruction of communities with adverse effects also on the diocese as many churches and presbyteries were affected. On 4th of March, 2026, our Cathedral Church was razed by fire due to a power upsurge; a monumental setback for the diocese. However, despite these challenges, we have reasons to be grateful to God for achievements recorded. Notable among several are the successful take off of Divine Mercy Hospital on 16th January, 2026 and the furtherance of work on our Pastoral Centre building project at Idofi Ward of Wukari Local Government Area. We pray that the security situation in Takum and Donga Local Government Areas will improve, so that our brothers and sisters will return safely to their communities.
2. THE CHURCH AND GOOD GOVERNANCE IN NIGERIA
Good governance refers to responsible, transparent, and accountable management of public resources and national affairs. It ensures that decisions are participatory, equitable and guided by the rule of law. Where good governance exists, corruption is minimized, public trust is strengthened, human rights are protected and sustainable development is promoted for the benefit of all citizens. In Nigeria, the relationship between the Church and state represents a complex interaction of moral authority, social responsibility and political influence. As one of the most influential institutions in society, the Church serves both as a mirror reflecting societal realities and as a moral catalyst capable of inspiring political and social reforms. The Church’s mission is fundamentally spiritual; however, it cannot remain indifferent to social injustice, corruption, oppression and poor leadership that undermine human dignity. For the Church to effectively promote good governance in Nigeria, it must faithfully balance its spiritual mandate with a consistent, non-partisan commitment to justice, truth, accountability and the rule of law.
St. John Paul II in Centesimus Annus (1991) notes: “The State has the duty to provide for the defense and preservation of common goods such as the natural and human environments.” Therefore, we affirm that for good governance to be possible in Nigeria there is every need to dismantle all unjust structures that place the wealth of this country in the hands of a privileged few. And all forms of oppression, suppression and slavery be loosened. Moreso, the Church teaches that "co-responsibility for the common good" makes it morally necessary for citizens to participate in political life (CCC 1913). The penalty for indifference in good governance is to be ruled by evil men (Proverbs 29:2). We therefore urge all Christ's faithful and citizens to as a matter of necessity, actively participate in choosing their leaders.
3. CIVIC RESPONSIBILITY THROUGH POLITICAL PARTICIPATION
‎Political participation is an essential duty of all citizens in the pursuit of political reform and good governance in Nigeria. The Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN), ‎in their communiqué issued at the end of their first plenary in 2023 asserted that, ‎citizens must actively participate in governance, because the success of democracy depends on their involvement. We recognize that the Church, while not partisan, has a prophetic responsibility to form the conscience of the faithful and to encourage meaningful engagement in the public life of the nation. Political participation, when properly understood, is a concrete expression of responsible citizenship and a vital instrument for promoting justice, accountability and the common good. We note with concern the growing trend of political apathy, distrust in public institutions and low voter participation, which continue to weaken democratic processes and hinder national development.
‎In line with the Church’s mission in society, we affirm that active and responsible political participation is a moral obligation and a necessary contribution to the development of the nation and the realization of authentic good governance rooted in justice, peace and the dignity of the human person. We therefore urge all Christians and citizens to embrace their civic responsibility by participating in elections, seeking elective political positions, engaging in civic education, promoting good governance and holding leaders accountable through constructive and peaceful civic engagements. Such participation must be guided by conscience, truth and moral integrity and must be free from ethnic, religious, or material manipulation. Furthermore, we encourage the youth, in particular, to take ownership of their civic future by rejecting violence, electoral malpractice and political disengagement, while committing themselves to values that foster unity, justice and sustainable development.
4. POLITICAL LEADERSHIP AND GOOD GOVERNANCE IN NIGERIA
Political leadership is fundamentally a call to service, requiring the selfless commitment of individuals entrusted with authority by the people to promote the common good. Leadership, at any level, is a mandate given by society to ensure good governance, foster peace and security, and improve the welfare of all citizens, especially the poor and vulnerable. Effective political leadership must be guided by a strong moral conscience and a genuine commitment to quality administration.
The foundation of good governance rests on three core principles: the rule of law, accountability and transparency. These principles are essential for building trust, strengthening institutions and ensuring that leadership remains people-centred. While acknowledging that no leadership system is without challenges, various obstacles confront political leadership in Nigeria. However, these challenges can be addressed through deliberate and sustained reforms. In this regard, we recommend the following measures to promote effective political leadership and good governance in Nigeria: (i) leadership renewal and value reorientation; (ii) constitutional reforms aimed at achieving true federalism; (iii) strengthening of institutions, especially the judiciary and strict adherence to the rule of law; (iv) deepening anti-corruption norms and promoting transparency; (v) encouraging civic awakening, youth engagement and digital activism; (vi) pursuing electoral reforms to ensure credible elections: (vii) reforming the security sector with a focus on human-centered security: (viii) promoting economic diversification and poverty reduction; (ix) Strengthening political party systems and internal democracy and entrenching good governance as a core political value. We call on all political leaders, aspiring leaders, and relevant stakeholders to embrace these principles and recommendations in order to build a just, accountable and prosperous Nigeria.
5. ELECTORAL REFORMS AS A NECESSITY FOR CREDIBLE ELECTIONS IN NIGERIA
We affirm that credible elections are the foundation of any true democracy, reflecting the will of well-meaning Nigerians and ensuring legitimate governance. Persistent challenges such as electoral malpractice, vote buying, violence and result manipulation continue to undermine public trust in Nigeria’s electoral process. These realities make comprehensive electoral reforms not only desirable but urgent. We call for the full and transparent deployment of technology in the electoral process, including electronic collation and direct transmission of results from polling units to central servers. The consistent use of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS), the INEC Result Viewing Portal (IReV), and other reliable technologies should be ensured to minimize human interference and prevent result manipulation by electoral officials and political actors, especially on election day.
Furthermore, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) must be truly independent. This requires removing executive control over the appointment of its Chairman and Commissioners, as well as establishing an independent funding mechanism to safeguard it from undue influence by the executive arm of government. An Electoral Offences Commission should be established and empowered to investigate and prosecute electoral offences such as vote buying, violence and election rigging. In addition, diaspora voting should be introduced, in line with practices in other democracies, to enable Nigerians abroad to participate in the electoral process.
Other critical reforms include: (i) the introduction of early voting for essential workers, persons with disabilities and the elderly; (ii) reducing electoral violence and the militarization of elections through responsible and professional security engagement; (iii) strengthening campaign finance regulations; making nomination forms more affordable; (iv) promoting internal party democracy; (v) curbing the imposition of candidates; (vi) addressing the influence of godfatherism; and (vii) ensuring strict enforcement of the Electoral Act 2022 and related laws. We urge all relevant stakeholders to prioritize these reforms as a matter of national importance. Only through a transparent, inclusive and accountable electoral system can Nigeria achieve credible elections, strengthen democratic governance and foster sustainable development.
6. RESURGENCE OF CRISES IN SOUTHERN TARABA AND A RENEWED CALL FOR THE SAFE RETURN OF INTERNALLY DISPLACED PERSONS (IDPS)
From September 2025, there has been a resurgence of attacks by Fulani Ethnic Militia on Communities in Southern Taraba, most especially in Takum and Donga Local Government Areas, as well as Yangtu Special Development Area. These attacks have left scores of people injured, maimed and killed with property worth millions of naira and means of livelihood destroyed. The records of the Diocese show that over 98,000 persons have been displaced including 16 priests, 217 churches have been completely destroyed, while 8 priests residences have also been destroyed. Over 100 persons have been reported killed. Unfortunately, the Fulani Ethnic Militia who carry out these attacks seem to be untouchable as these attacks have continued for months without security agents doing enough to stop them. This is more worrisome because members of these displaced communities report that these intruders have taken over their communities.
In our Communique, at the end of our second General Assembly in March 2025, we pledged to collaborate with the Taraba State Government to promote peace in the state. We equally called on the government to address the root causes of conflicts and ensure the return and resettlement of IDPs to their homes and provide adequate security for them. Considering that the security situation in this part of the state has deteriorated and under reported, we reiterate this call, this time with a louder voice, so that the displaced can return to their homes and start rebuilding their lives so as to mitigate the negative effects of the crises as a result of the poor living conditions of the displaced. Their return will also enable them to participate in the election of their leaders during the next elections; an alienable right that they should not be denied.
CONCLUSION
As we mark the 3rd anniversary of Wukari Diocese and when we look back and realize that it has only been three years since the journey began, we are overwhelmed with gratitude to God for all that he has enabled us to accomplish despite all that we have been through (1 Thes 5:18). We commend the souls of our brothers and sisters killed as a result of violent attacks in Southern Taraba into the hands of God; we pray for the quick recovery of the wounded; the return of peace and the safe return of our displaced brothers and sisters to their homes.
May the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Queen of Peace, intercede for us always. Amen.

Signed:
Most Revd Mark Maigida Nzukwein
(Catholic Bishop of Wukari)
Very Revd Fr Simon Akuraga (Chancellor)