John Cardinal Onaiyekan, Archbishop Emeritus of the Abuja Catholic Archdiocese, has accused the Federal Government of knowing those responsible for the recurring killings and abductions across the country but refusing to act decisively.
The Catholic cleric, who spoke on Saturday during an interview on Arise Television, lamented what he described as government’s “habitual denial” of mass atrocities despite overwhelming evidence of worsening insecurity.
Onaiyekan said no amount of official rebuttals can erase the daily experiences of Nigerians who continue to live in fear and lose loved ones to terrorists, bandits and other armed groups.
“The Federal Government must shift away from its defensive approach of denying or downplaying allegations of mass killings of Nigerians,” he said.
“This persistent denial fails to reflect the sentiments of millions who live in perpetual fear and those who have suffered tremendously in the hands of insurgents.”
The cleric insisted that authorities are fully aware of the individuals and groups behind the bloodshed and must stop prioritising politics ahead of national survival.
“The government is aware of who is responsible for these killings. Instead of fixating on 2027, it should concentrate on ensuring the safety and survival of its citizens,” he added.
Nigeria has witnessed renewed waves of killings and kidnappings in recent weeks, with several communities in the North, Middle Belt, and South-West reporting deadly attacks.
Security analysts have repeatedly called for stronger intelligence coordination, accountability, and political will — concerns echoed by the Archbishop Emeritus.
Onaiyekan urged the government to adopt a more transparent and proactive approach, warning that continued silence or denial only deepens public distrust and endangers national stability.
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