Nigeria’s Insecurity Is Self-Inflicted, Fueled by Division — Vatican Envoy Nwachukwu

The Secretary of the Dicastery for Evangelisation at the Vatican, Archbishop Fortunatus Nwachukwu, has described Nigeria’s worsening insecurity as a self-inflicted wound, blaming it on the nation’s deep divisions, intolerance, and failure to embrace unity in diversity.

Speaking in Abuja at the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria during his reception and induction into the Knights of St John International, Nigeria Subordinate, Archbishop Nwachukwu said Nigeria’s diversity should be seen as a source of strength, not division.

“Differences are not supposed to be something negative. God made creation with differences, but He also made them to be united,” he said.

The Vatican envoy — one of the highest-ranking Nigerian prelates in Rome — stressed that lasting peace can only be achieved when Nigerians learn to rise above ethnic and religious boundaries.

“Our differences should not be a source of confusion. They should be harnessed to create beauty in our unity. Whether we are Christians or Muslims, our unity flows from our knowledge of God. We believe in one God — so I don’t see why we should find it difficult to live together in peace,” he said.

Archbishop Nwachukwu lamented that Nigeria’s divisions have turned its blessings into sources of pain and insecurity.
“We could have differences according to our languages or ethnic origin, but we should all be able to use these differences to form our beauty in our unity,” he added.

The induction ceremony drew clergy, Knights, and Ladies from across the country, with speakers echoing calls for tolerance, peace, and interfaith understanding.

Prof. Remy Uche, Supreme Subordinate President of the Knights of St John International, described the event as a symbolic moment for both the Order and the Church in Nigeria.
“Today is a special gathering because we are receiving into our order a prelate of high global visibility,” he said.

Prof. Uche condemned killings in the name of religion, noting that such acts violate divine and moral laws.
“God created everybody — man and woman, Christians, Muslims, Hindus, even those who don’t believe in God. But God forbids killing. It’s one of His commandments, ‘Thou shalt not kill.’ No true religion supports violence; only extremists distort its message,” he said.

He added: “Our president is a Muslim, his wife is a Christian, and they’re living together. That same love should radiate among all Nigerians.”

Florence Chuke, President of the Ladies Auxiliary, Abuja Grand Commandery, lamented that women and children remain the worst victims of the nation’s insecurity.
“It’s painful to see human beings slaughtered like chickens. We are praying that God will help Nigeria find peace,” she said.

Also speaking, Very Rev. Fr. Mike Umoh, Director of Social Communications at the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria, stressed the need for stronger communication and collaboration within institutions and communities.
“The Church itself is communicative. Too many of our parishes fail to coordinate talents and allow everyone to play their role. Collaboration and subsidiarity are essential if we must move forward,” he noted.

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