The Catholic Archdiocese of Jos has cancelled the 2025 Christ the King procession earlier scheduled to hold across all its parishes, pastoral areas and chaplaincies. The directive follows rising security concerns in Nigeria and particularly in Plateau State.
BusinessDay reports that Christ the King solemnity, celebrated annually across the global Catholic Church, will be marked this year on Sunday, 23 November 2025.
In a notice signed by Daniel Gyang, a Rev. Fr. and Chancellor of the Archdiocese, made available to journalists on Saturday night in Jos, the Plateau State capital, said the decision was taken after reviewing the current security situation affecting communities across the state.
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The statement added that all deanery and parish-level processions have also been cancelled in line with the directive.
“Considering the current security situation of our dear country; Nigeria, and our beloved state of Plateau, the already planned Christ the King procession has been cancelled.
“Consequently, all planned Deanery or Parish processions are also cancelled but a solemn benediction may be done,” the statement said.
The Archdiocese, however, permitted parishes to hold a solemn benediction within church premises as a safer alternative to the widely attended outdoor procession.
The Church emphasised that this adjustment is aimed at ensuring the protection of worshippers.
The statement further advised priests and parishioners to avoid large public gatherings during this period and to remain vigilant. It noted that discouraging such gatherings is necessary in light of ongoing security threats in the state.
The Archdiocese prayed for God’s intervention in Nigeria’s challenges and wished the faithful a peaceful end to the liturgical year.
