LCCN Marks 200th General Church Council as Archbishop Filibus Decries Escalating Insecurity in Nigeria
By Ojoma Yusuf,Yola
The Lutheran Church of Christ in Nigeria (LCCN) has held its 200th General Church Council, a historic milestone convened under the leadership of the Archbishop of the LCCN and former President of the Lutheran World Federation, Most Rev. Musa Panti Filibus, PhD.
The landmark gathering brought together senior church leaders from across the country, including diocesan bishops, cathedral deans, district pastors, heads of departments, members of the Board of Trustees, and other key officials. Discussions focused on strengthening the church’s mission, promoting justice, and responding to the rising challenges confronting Nigerian communities.
In his opening address, Archbishop Filibus delivered a strongly worded condemnation of Nigeria’s worsening security situation. He lamented the recurring tragedies disrupting communities and places of worship, citing the recent abduction of worshippers in Niger State, the kidnapping of schoolchildren in Kebbi, and a surge in attacks and killings nationwide.
He described the incidents as “a painful reminder of the vulnerability of citizens and the urgent need for government to uphold its constitutional duty of protecting life and property,” criticizing what he called the Federal Government’s “disturbing inactiveness and slow response” to repeated violence. Continued silence and inadequate intervention, he warned, risk normalizing criminality across the nation.
“Nigeria cannot continue on this path where innocent lives are taken daily without decisive intervention. Government must rise to the occasion,” he said.
Archbishop Filibus also urged the Federal Government to take seriously the recent designation of Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC) by the United States government, calling the label a significant signal that the international community is closely monitoring Nigeria’s human-rights and religious-freedom environment.
He advised the government to interpret the designation as an opportunity to demonstrate stronger commitment to justice and the protection of all citizens.
This year’s Council convened under a somber atmosphere, following the passing of Archbishop Emeritus Most Rev. Nemuel Abubakar Babba on the morning the meeting commenced. Delegates observed a minute of silence in his honour.
The 200th General Church Council reaffirmed the LCCN’s commitment to:dvocate for peace and justice in all spheres of society,strengthen internal governance and missionary outreach, support victims of violence and displacement, and partner with Christian bodies, civil society organizations, and government to promote national stability
Delegates expressed solidarity with families affected by insecurity and offered prayers for lasting peace across Nigeria.
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