More than 200 Catholic churches in the Diocese of Maiduguri have been affected by years of insecurity in Nigeria’s North-East, while many communities have experienced loss of life and displacement, Auxiliary Bishop of Maiduguri Most Rev. John Bogna Bakeni has said.
Speaking during a Thanksgiving Mass concelebrated with Emeritus Archbishop of Abuja, Cardinal John Onaiyekan, at St. Vincent De Paul Catholic Church, Ogo-Oluwa, Osogbo, Bishop Bakeni described the diocese as one that has endured significant hardship yet continues through the grace of God. The Mass formed part of the ongoing plenary meeting of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) in Osun State and coincided with the commemoration of Saints Cornelius and Cyprian, remembered for their steadfastness in the face of persecution.
Bishop Bakeni urged the faithful to draw lessons from the two martyrs, especially their courage in remaining committed to the Christian faith. He stressed that genuine faith must be shown through love, sacrifice and concern for others.
“If you do not love, your faith is useless,” he said. He noted that holding a leadership position in the Church does not automatically fulfil the demands of Christianity if a person continues to harbour grudges, jealousy or hatred. Christian leadership, he added, is measured by willingness to serve, forgive, sacrifice and show care for others.
Recalling Christ’s teaching, the Bishop said: “There is no greater love a man can have for his brothers and sisters than to lay down his life for them.” He called on Christians to live with humility and simplicity while remaining committed to what pleases God, and to avoid distorting the truth for personal gain.
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Drawing from the experience of the Diocese of Maiduguri, Bishop Bakeni spoke about the impact of prolonged insecurity. He said the diocese has faced violence, destruction and displacement over many years, affecting both Christians and Muslims in the affected communities. Despite these challenges, he said the Church has continued to survive by the grace of God.
He recalled that in 2014 intensified attacks forced many Catholics to flee their homes. Some who faced pressure to abandon their faith chose to remain committed to the Catholic Church. Worship has continued in the diocese, with congregations still gathering for Mass.
“We are surviving today as a diocese by the grace of God,” the Bishop said. He attributed the resilience of the local Church to divine grace and the prayers of the faithful.
Bishop Bakeni appealed to Catholics in Osun State and across Nigeria to remember the Diocese of Maiduguri in their prayers. He also urged residents of Osun to appreciate the relative peace they enjoy and not take it for granted.
“Don’t allow anything to rob you of your peace,” he said. “You are blessed. You should thank God that you can go to bed, sleep and wake up.”
He described the Catholic Church as facing persecution in various parts of the world, yet expressed confidence that with God on its side the Church will continue. “Evil will be defeated. We will triumph at the end,” he stated.
The Bishop’s message combined a call for personal examination of faith with an appeal for continued prayer for communities affected by insecurity and for those working to restore peace. He encouraged the faithful to remain steadfast, to let their daily conduct reflect the teachings of Christ, and to support one another through prayer and practical concern.
The address came as Catholic bishops from across Nigeria continued their plenary activities in Osun State, focusing on the mission of the Church and the challenges facing Christians and the wider society.
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