Catholic Bishops Speak Truth to Tinubu, Terrorists Kill Priest, Invade Church Days Later

Barely one week after Catholic bishops told President Bola Tinubu the hard truth about Nigeria’s worsening economic hardship, insecurity and political atmosphere, terrorists have hacked a Catholic priest to death in Kogi State and invaded a church in Enugu, abducting a seminarian and worshippers during Sunday Mass.

The pattern is unmistakable. On July 31, a delegation from the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria, led by President Archbishop Matthew Ndagoso, met with President Tinubu at the Presidential Villa. The bishops raised concerns over the nation’s economic conditions, security challenges and political atmosphere. Cardinal John Onaiyekan, former Archbishop of Abuja, later revealed that President Tinubu and his officials present at the meeting were not happy with the bishops’ presentation. Onaiyekan said the bishops told the president that the country is bleeding and the economy is not helping poor citizens. Senator Orji Kalu, who supported the bishops’ intervention, said: “The Catholic bishops’ visit to President Tinubu is a good one. I support it because they are telling him the way it is.”

Then the attacks came. On July 29, the lifeless body of Reverend Father Samuel Opeyemi of St. Paul Parish, Ayetoro Gbede, was discovered along Church Road in Ajaokuta, Kogi State, with multiple machete wounds. The Kogi Police Command confirmed that the priest had sustained severe machete cuts to the head. The Kogi State Government condemned the killing, describing it as a heinous and unacceptable act. Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo directed security agencies to unravel the masterminds behind the crime and ensure they are brought to justice.

On Sunday, August 2, heavily armed terrorists stormed St. Joseph Catholic Church in Inoyi, Affa community, Udi Local Government Area of Enugu State, during morning Mass. The attackers, believed to be at least seven in number and armed with AK-47 rifles, invaded the church and whisked away several worshippers, including a seminarian. According to community sources, the kidnapped seminarian, identified as Lawrence Chidera Igbo, had returned to his hometown for the burial of his father before the attack occurred. A catechist who was initially abducted was later released, while efforts to rescue the remaining victims continued. The Enugu State Police Command confirmed that three persons were abducted during the incident. Residents of Affa have cried out for help, pleading with Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah to rescue the abducted victims.

This Is Not the First Time

In May, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde formally declared his intention to run for president in 2027. Hours later, on the morning of May 15, gunmen stormed three schools in Oriire Local Government Area and abducted pupils and teachers. Makinde himself pointed out the timing: “I declared to run for the presidency of Nigeria at four o’clock, and by 9 a.m. the following morning, the children were abducted.” He was later accused of orchestrating the kidnap, a claim he has vehemently denied.

The pattern is too loud to be a coincidence. A prominent voice speaks truth to power, and within days, violence follows. A political rival declares ambition, and hours later, children are taken. Religious leaders are attacked. Church parishes are invaded. Seminarians are abducted. Priests are killed.

As one X user observed: “We can all see the pattern. Makinde declared to run for presidency, 24 hours later those students were ‘abducted’. Now 24 hours after the bishop spoke against bad governance.” Another noted: “If their media wing can’t do enough damage with their lies and spinning after hearing the truth, they unleash their terrorist wing to finish the job.”

The open season on those who dare to speak truth to power is here. The question is whether anyone will do anything to stop it.

READ MORE: Tinubu Submits 2027 Nomination Papers With No Primary or Secondary School Records, Same Blank Form He Used in 2023 as INEC Accepts Incomplete Filing Despite Flawed Election

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