Catholic Bishops Condemn Capital Punishment For Criminals

Rising from its just concluded second plenary meeting, the Catholic Bishops' Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) has called on Nigeria to do away with the use of capital punishment as the easiest way to rid the society of dangerous criminal.

In a communique jointly signed by its president Most Rev. Iganitius Kaigama, Archbishop of Jos and
secretary, Most Rev William Avenya, Bishop of Gboko, the CBCN says the lives of condemned criminals remain sacred and demand deep compassion.

"Capital punishment does not offer criminals the opportunity for repentance in accord with the vsion of God about man's salvation.

Given modern developments for the safety of citizens, public authorities are increasingly called upon to explore practical measures to prevent criminality and foster humane ways that would lead to reformation"