CEPCCN: Every Life Matters. Justice, Security, Peace and Human Dignity for All. 🇳🇬✝️

CHRISTIAN ELDERS AND PROFESSIONALS CONSULTATIVE COUNCIL OF NIGERIA (CEPCCN)

ELDERS’ NATIONAL STATEMENT

PROTECTING HUMAN LIFE, DEFENDING JUSTICE AND STRENGTHENING PEACE: A CHRISTIAN AND NATIONAL RESPONSIBILITY

A Diplomatic Reflection on Security, Religious Freedom and Responsible Leadership in Nigeria

“Champions of Professionalism and Wisdom in Christ.”

The Christian Elders and Professionals Consultative Council of Nigeria (CEPCCN) has taken note of recent public commentaries and international concerns regarding attacks on Christian communities and the broader security challenges confronting Nigeria.

As a Christian consultative, advisory and policy institution committed to truth, justice, peace, responsible citizenship and national transformation, CEPCCN believes that the protection of human life remains one of the foremost responsibilities of every government, community and moral institution.

The Council is deeply concerned about the continued loss of innocent lives resulting from terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, communal violence and other forms of criminality affecting different parts of the country.

Where Christian communities, clergy, churches, farmers, families or places of worship are specifically attacked because of their faith, such acts deserve prompt investigation, lawful prosecution and effective prevention.

No Nigerian should suffer violence, displacement, intimidation or death because of religion, ethnicity, community identity or social background.

RECOGNISING THE ROLE OF THE CHURCH

CEPCCN acknowledges the important role played by the Catholic Church in Nigeria and other Christian bodies in providing spiritual guidance, humanitarian support, education, healthcare, peacebuilding and moral leadership over many decades.

Catholic bishops, priests, religious communities and Christian leaders across denominations have repeatedly spoken against insecurity, injustice and attacks on vulnerable communities, while also promoting dialogue, reconciliation and peaceful coexistence. Recent engagements by the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) with national leadership have included concerns relating to insecurity, religious freedom, social justice and national development.

CEPCCN believes that religious leaders have a moral responsibility to continue speaking for justice, defending human dignity and supporting peaceful solutions to national challenges.

At the same time, the Council recognises that faith leaders often operate within complex social, security and pastoral realities that require wisdom, prudence and responsible judgment.

THE RIGHT TO LIFE AND THE DUTY OF THE STATE

The Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria places the primary responsibility for the protection of lives and property upon the State.

CEPCCN therefore respectfully calls upon the Federal Government, State Governments and all security institutions to strengthen:

• intelligence gathering and early-warning systems;
• rapid response mechanisms;
• protection of vulnerable communities;
• security around places of worship;
• prosecution of perpetrators;
• support for victims and displaced persons; and
• inter-agency cooperation against terrorism and organised crime.

Security should not depend upon religion, ethnicity or political affiliation.

Every life matters.

Every citizen deserves protection.

Justice should be impartial.

Accountability should be consistent.

INTERNATIONAL CONCERN AND CONSTRUCTIVE PARTNERSHIP

CEPCCN believes that legitimate international concern over insecurity in Nigeria should be viewed as an opportunity for constructive partnership rather than unnecessary confrontation.

Nigeria has longstanding relationships with international partners, including the Holy See, foreign governments, humanitarian institutions and global faith-based organisations.

Such partnerships can support:

• counterterrorism cooperation;
• intelligence sharing;
• humanitarian assistance;
• institutional capacity-building;
• peacebuilding initiatives; and
• support for vulnerable communities.

The objective should always be improved security, stronger institutions and the protection of human life.

REJECTING RELIGIOUS HATRED

CEPCCN strongly cautions against language capable of deepening religious hostility or creating permanent division between Christians and Muslims.

Nigeria cannot overcome insecurity through hatred.

Extremism must not be allowed to destroy centuries of coexistence among peaceful citizens of different faiths.

The enemies of Nigeria are terrorism, criminality, violence, injustice and lawlessness—not ordinary citizens who desire peace.

Christian leaders, Muslim leaders, traditional institutions, civil society organisations, professionals and governments must therefore work together to reject violence and strengthen national unity.

Pope Leo XIV has repeatedly encouraged dialogue, peace, respect for human dignity and cooperation among religious communities in confronting violence and division.

A MESSAGE TO CHRISTIAN LEADERS

CEPCCN respectfully encourages Christian leaders across all denominations to continue:

• speaking for truth and justice;
• defending vulnerable communities;
• supporting victims of violence;
• promoting peace and reconciliation;
• encouraging lawful citizenship; and
• working for a more secure and just society.

Christian witness must combine courage with wisdom, truth with compassion, and advocacy with responsibility.

The Church has an important role in preserving hope, strengthening communities and promoting peace.

CEPCCN’S ELDERS’ POSITION

CEPCCN’s position is clear:

Every Christian life matters.

Every Muslim life matters.

Every Nigerian life matters.

Every attack on innocent citizens deserves investigation.

Every perpetrator of violence must face justice.

Every vulnerable community deserves protection.

And every responsible institution should work together to preserve peace, strengthen security and defend human dignity.

Nigeria needs:

Faith without hostility. Justice without discrimination. Security without bias. Leadership without fear. Advocacy without hatred. And wisdom that produces practical solutions.

CONCLUSION

CEPCCN believes that the future of Nigeria depends not only upon stronger security institutions, but also upon stronger moral institutions, responsible leadership, interfaith cooperation and respect for the dignity of every human person.

The Council therefore calls upon all stakeholders—government, security agencies, religious institutions, traditional rulers, civil society organisations and international partners—to work together in building a Nigeria where every citizen can live in peace, worship freely and pursue a life of dignity without fear.

May Almighty God grant Nigeria peace, protect all vulnerable communities, comfort victims of violence, strengthen our institutions and guide our leaders with wisdom, justice and compassion.

CHRISTIAN ELDERS AND PROFESSIONALS CONSULTATIVE COUNCIL OF NIGERIA (CEPCCN)

Faith • Wisdom • Professionalism • Service • National Transformation

Issued under the Authority of the National Leadership

Signed

His Lordship, Bishop Justice Alpha Ikpeama Director-General (D-G)

“Champions of Professionalism and Wisdom in Christ.”