As Catholics across Nigeria participated in a peaceful protests on Tuesday, Catholic Bishops in the different Dioceses in Nigeria have called for greater government protection of her citizens following a recent attack on worshippers at St. Ignatius Catholic Church, Mbalom in Gwer-East Local Government Area in Beneu State that left 19 dead including two Catholic priests.
Thousands of people in over 54 cities across Nigeria participated in protests May 22, which corresponded with the burial of two priests and 17 parishioners killed by Fulani herdsmen, who opened fire at worshippers during a daily morning Mass on April 24.
White caskets of those killed in the attacks were carried through the streets of the Benue state’s capital city, Makurdi, near Saint. Ignatius Church, where the attack took place.
Nigeria Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbanjo was among government officials that were present to at interment of the slain priests and other worshippers on May 22.
Christians in other cities including Warri, Benin, Asaba, Owerri, Port-Harcourt, Abuja, Lagos, Ibadan, Ughelli, Sapele, Oyo, Ibadan, Ondo, Bomadi, Auchi, Uromi, Issele-Uku etc, carried placards bearing different inscriptions on the day to proclaim the sacredness of life and a greater need for government to sincerely stop the unprovoked callous killings.
The state of Benue shut down operations May 22 to honor those who died in the attack, as several bishops and representatives of other bishops attended the burials as statements were issued at rallies across the nation.
Cardinal John Onaiyekan of Abuja, spoke at a requiem Mass in Ayatu, Benue. He questioned, “If we are not safe in our place of worship centers, where else can we be safe?”
Bishop John Afareha of Warri Diocese spoke at a peaceful rally in Warri Delta State. In his speech, Most Rev. Afareha decried the lack of respect for human life, stating that it is evil and that the Catholic Bishop Conference of Nigeria condemned such evil calling on government to ensure peace, harmony and unity lead again.
“Human life irrespective of tribe, religion or race should be respected and people should be allowed to live in peace and unity.
“The Catholic Church in Warri in solidarity with the Catholic Diocese of Makurdi say no to the incessant killings of innocent Nigerian.
Meanwhile, Catholic Bishop of Makurdi Diocese, where the attack took place, particularly criticized Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari, according to report.
“President Buhari should wake up to his responsibilities. He was elected as a president for the people of this country, not for any particular group, not for any tribe,” he said, noting that Buhari is the president of “a nation with about 200 million People including Christians, Muslims, Hindus, and pagans.”
Violence between Fulani herdsmen and farmers has increased in recent times in Nigeria.
According to statistics, By mid-January this year, more than 100 deaths had been attributed to the herdsmen.
The Catholic Bishop’s Conference of Nigeria voiced grave concern about the violence in a January statement. They recognized the challenges faced by the herdsman, but expressed the need for better alternatives to open grazing.
“Government should rather encourage cattle owners to establish ranches in line with international best practice,” the bishops said.
“Farmers and herdsmen have a lot to contribute to the socio-economic prosperity of our nation. A more enduring strategy must be worked out for their peaceful co-existence and mutual respect for each other”.