Mamza urges northerners to take greater role in tackling insecurity - The Guardian Nigeria News

The Catholic Bishop of Yola Diocese, Stephen Dami Mamza, has urged people of Northern Nigeria to take greater responsibility for addressing the insecurity and mass displacement ravaging the region.   Mamza said the crisis could not be resolved by government action alone, stressing the need for communities and citizens to play an active role in confronting its root causes.   He spoke during a Mass to mark the World Day of Migrants and Refugees at Christ the King Catholic Church, Sangere Numan Road, Yola.   Speaking on the theme, “Even Just One of These Children,” the bishop said communities must complement government efforts by promoting peace and addressing factors contributing to insecurity and displacement.   He noted that many of the factors driving insecurity and displacement in Nigeria were concentrated in the northern region, making it imperative for its people to take a leading role in finding lasting solutions.   Mamza also urged Christians to translate their faith into practical acts of compassion, stressing that genuine commitment to humanity must go beyond words and religious declarations.   Citing a 2025 report by the United Nations refugee agency, he said about 117.8 million people had been forcibly displaced worldwide, with millions affected across sub-Saharan Africa.   According to him, Nigeria accounts for about 3.7 million displaced people, with the North-East, North-West and North-Central regions bearing a significant share of the burden.   The bishop lamented that persistent insecurity had destroyed communities, separated families and forced thousands of people from their homes, particularly across northern Nigeria.   He called for stronger cooperation among citizens, government institutions, religious organisations and traditional authorities, saying collective action was essential to restoring peace and creating conditions for displaced persons to return home.   Mamza particularly appealed to political, religious and traditional leaders in the North-East to set aside political and other interests and prioritise peace, justice, security and the resettlement of displaced persons.

While acknowledging that the government has the primary responsibility to protect citizens, he stressed that communities in the North must also play a decisive role in ending the crisis.