Five Catholic bishops cautioned Nigerian government leaders about a series of statements from Pentecostal and indigenous religious leaders portending tragedy.

The bishops of the Ibadan province said in a statement released Jan. 14 that the warnings, or visions as described by the religious leaders, may be a tactic to control the actions of political and government officials.

Saying they have experienced a series of visions or prophesies, the Pentecostal and indigenous religious leaders have published and distributed warnings that certain government leaders would die or be impeached in the new year.