As Christians all over the world celebrate Easter, the Knights of St. John International (KSJI), Nigeria, a Catholic fraternal organization in the Roman Catholic Church, charged with the defence of the Christian faith as presented by the Catholic Church, has called for the respect for the dignity of human life.

The call was made by the KSJI Supreme Subordinate President Nigeria, Prof Remy Uche, in an Easter message to her members. In a press statement, the Knights joined Christians across the world in celebrating the glorious resurrection of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, and are reminded of the sacred and immeasurable value of every human life.

Stressing that the message of Easter is rooted in hope, redemption, and the unwavering truth that Christ died and rose again so that all—especially the poor, the forgotten, and the marginalized—may live in freedom, dignity, and peace.

According to Sir Remy Uche, “this Easter season, we cannot turn a blind eye to the painful reality of recent wanton killings across our dear nation, Nigeria. Innocent lives, many of them vulnerable and defenceless, have been killed in parts of Benue and Plateau. These are not just statistics—they are mothers, fathers, children, and neighbours. Each one a soul for whom Christ gave His life”.

Speaking further, Sir Uche said “as knights, who are sworn to uphold justice, peace, and compassion, we strongly condemn these acts of violence and use this sacred season to echo a solemn call: Let us return to the path of love, respect, and the sanctity of life. The dignity of life is not negotiable. It is a divine gift, and no one has the right to take it away”.

In the spirit of Easter, the KSJI leader called upon political leaders, communities, and every Nigerian to rise above hatred and division. Hoping that the resurrection of Christ will awaken in Nigerians a renewed sense of responsibility—to protect the vulnerable, to speak for the voiceless, and to champion a Nigeria where peace and justice reign.

KSJI is a Catholic fraternal organization in the Roman Catholic Church; incorporated in New York, United States of America on May 6, 1886. The Order was given approval by the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria to operate in Nigeria in 1976. However, KSJI had begun to make remarkable inroads in Nigeria in 1975. It now exists in all the Catholic Dioceses in Nigeria, under the supervision of the CBCN, mainly to propagate and defend the Christian faith as presented by the Catholic Church. The Order has a robust membership of over 18,000 Knights and their Ladies in Nigeria. It exists in the USA, England, Germany, Canada, Trinidad and Tobago, as well as in other African countries like, Kenya, Ghana, Togo, Sierra Leone, Liberia, among others.