Nigerian Priest Urges Vigilante Defence Over Passive Prayers Amid Rising Violence in Benue State

 

A Nigerian Catholic priest, Rev. Fr. Angelo Chidi Unegbu, has issued a fiery caution to fellow citizens amid growing insecurity across some Nigerian communities, especially in Benue State. Unegbu, speaking via a heartfelt Facebook post on Tuesday, June 17, 2025, decried the increasing number of pastors and religious leaders who urge vulnerable populations to depend solely on divine intervention while armed assailants continue to devastate towns and villages.

Benue, which has long been a flashpoint for violent clashes allegedly involving armed herdsmen, has witnessed one of its bloodiest episodes in recent times. Over 200 individuals were reportedly killed in a brutal two-day onslaught, with scores left displaced and traumatized.

Amid the outcry and religious messages circulating on social media platforms, Unegbu’s message pierced the veil of piety that has often shaped public responses to crises in Nigeria. He emphasized that moments like these call for unity, strategy, and collective self-defense—not blind reliance on spiritual platitudes.

“Too many times, I’ve seen preachers tell people in danger to just rely on God to protect them,” Fr. Unegbu lamented. “They encourage communities to fold their hands, say a few prayers, and hope for divine rescue while their enemies keep advancing. This is not just naïve—it’s dangerous.”

Drawing a sharp contrast between faith and foolishness, Unegbu argued that such preaching, whether intentional or not, serves the interests of those carrying out the violent acts. He noted that aggressors benefit from communities that remain divided, passive, and paralyzed by religious dogma.

“Those pushing these messages of inaction,” he wrote, “are unknowingly—or perhaps knowingly—siding with the enemy. When lives are on the line, people must think clearly and act together. Religious or political differences should not stop communities from coming together to protect themselves.”

Rather than discount the power of prayer, the priest clarified that spiritual action should complement, not replace, common-sense measures for self-preservation. His post read like a rallying cry to all Nigerians to break free from dependency on messianic figures and embrace community-driven solutions.

Unegbu posed a rhetorical question that sparked reactions across social media: “Does God no longer answer prayers or what is the essence of religious beliefs?” He promised to explore that question further upon returning from a brief personal break, but stressed that at present, nothing should override the fundamental principle of self-preservation. “Ndụ bụ isi,” he concluded—a phrase in Igbo which means “Life is supreme.”

Across Nigeria, reactions to his remarks have been mixed. Some lauded his courage for speaking a truth that many religious figures might shy away from. “Finally, a priest who tells the people to take control of their reality,” said one user in the comment section of his post. “We have prayed enough; now we must act.”

Others, however, expressed discomfort with the tone and content of the message. A few religious commentators accused Unegbu of undermining faith and promoting what they described as “self-reliance without God.” Yet, many observers argue that his message doesn’t negate faith, but calls for a balanced response—faith in God, yes, but also action by people.

The underlying tone of Unegbu’s message is one of empowerment rather than rejection of religion. He paints a picture of a nation where unity, regardless of denominational lines, becomes the true strength. As attacks continue to escalate across several states, especially in Nigeria's Middle Belt, his message finds resonance in communities that have long relied on spiritual leaders to guide them in turbulent times.

This is not the first time clergy from various Christian denominations have spoken out against complacency wrapped in piety. However, Unegbu’s unapologetic tone and call for practical action mark a turning point in the discourse around faith and security in Nigeria.

For now, the priest is away on break, but his words continue to echo in homes and churches across the region. Whether they stir a shift in how communities respond to threats or simply add to the growing conversation around faith and responsibility remains to be seen.

One thing is clear: in a time when lives are under constant threat, the message from Rev. Fr. Angelo Chidi Unegbu is unmistakable—pray, yes, but also prepare.