Kaduna Bandit Attack: Bishop Ajakaye Calls for Spiritual Renewal
CBCN plenary in Abuja hears a strong call for sincere conversion, moral leadership, and commitment to the common good after the Kaduna bandit attack.
Bishop Ajakaye Speaks After Kaduna Bandit Attack
Amid national grief over the Kaduna bandit attack, Felix Femi Ajakaye has called on Nigerians to embrace sincere conversion and pursue the common good.
The Catholic Bishop of Ekiti Diocese delivered this message during his homily on Day 3 of the plenary assembly of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) in Abuja. He urged Christians to respond to insecurity and national tension with prayer, repentance, and responsible leadership.
By addressing the Kaduna bandit attack directly, Bishop Ajakaye placed spiritual renewal at the center of Nigeria’s healing process.
Lent Demands True Conversion, Not Empty Rituals
Describing Lent as a “special spiritual expedition,” Bishop Ajakaye stressed that genuine penance goes beyond outward religious observances. He challenged believers to practice honest introspection and reconcile with both God and neighbor.
Drawing from Isaiah 58, he warned against hatred, accusations, and destructive speech. Instead, he encouraged Christians to create space for love and transformation.
“Lent is a season for mending fractured relationships and rediscovering God’s limitless promises,” he said. He urged the faithful to pray sincerely, “Teach me, Lord, your way,” and to trust in God’s timing.
His message resonated strongly in the wake of the Kaduna bandit attack, as many Nigerians continue to seek hope and direction.
Seeking “Unusual Ways” to Solve National Problems
Quoting Albert Einstein, Bishop Ajakaye observed that some people find “problems for every solution” because they adopt a negative mindset. He urged bishops and lay faithful to adopt fresh and courageous approaches to both Church and societal challenges.
“We must seek and embrace unusual ways in order to bring necessary changes in the Church and in the society,” he declared.
He linked this appeal to the 2026 CBCN Plenary theme, “The Common Good and Leadership in Nigeria.” According to him, Nigeria needs leaders who demonstrate transparency, accountability, and moral integrity—especially as the nation prepares for future elections.
Seeking “Unusual Ways” to Solve National Problems
Quoting Albert Einstein, Bishop Ajakaye observed that some people find “problems for every solution” because they adopt a negative mindset. He urged bishops and lay faithful to adopt fresh and courageous approaches to both Church and societal challenges.
“We must seek and embrace unusual ways in order to bring necessary changes in the Church and in the society,” he declared.
He linked this appeal to the 2026 CBCN Plenary theme, “The Common Good and Leadership in Nigeria.” According to him, Nigeria needs leaders who demonstrate transparency, accountability, and moral integrity—especially as the nation prepares for future elections.
The Church’s Role in Nigeria’s Leadership Crisis
Referencing the Kaduna bandit attack again, Bishop Ajakaye emphasized that insecurity exposes deeper leadership failures. Therefore, he called on the Church to take a more practical and prophetic role in shaping public conscience.
He encouraged delegates to pray fervently for Nigeria and to promote collective responsibility. “Lasting progress requires collaboration,” he said.
According to him, moral leadership remains essential for justice, peace, and sustainable development. The Church, he added, must guide society toward hope rather than despair.
Obedience Is Better Than Sacrifice
In conclusion, Bishop Ajakaye reminded the faithful that obedience to God should define everyday life—not just the Lenten season. Quoting 1 Samuel 15:22, he declared, “Obedience is better than sacrifice.”
He challenged Christians to make their Lenten journey “business unusual” by practicing lasting obedience and encountering God in themselves and their neighbors.
As Nigeria reflects on the Kaduna bandit attack, his message remains clear: spiritual renewal, moral leadership, and commitment to the common good offer a path toward healing and national transformation.
