Take Responsibility for Displacement Crisis, Nigerian Catholic Bishop to Northern Leaders

Bishop Stephen Dami Mamza of Yola Diocese told political, traditional, and religious leaders in Northern Nigeria to take responsibility for the insecurity causing mass displacement. Speaking during a diocesan event for the 2026 International Day for Migrants, Refugees and Internally Displaced Persons, Mamza noted that 3.7 million Nigerians are currently internally displaced.

Mamza said the scale of displacement across the Northeast, North Central, and Northwest regions requires greater accountability from regional leaders. He warned that the high number of poor people and children out of school in the North risks leaving the entire region behind as the rest of the country progresses.

The bishop argued that solving the crisis requires more than humanitarian aid for those fleeing violence. He stated that leaders must address the underlying causes of insecurity, poverty, and the disruption of education to find lasting solutions.