Today the Catholic Diocese of Warri, bishop, priests, religious and laity together with the Catholic bishops of Nigerian stand in solidarity with the Catholic Diocese of Makurdi in Benue State to mourn and pray for the souls of Frs. Joseph Gor and Felix Tyolaha and 17 other victims of herdsmen attack in Mbalom and all parts of Nigeria. On this day when are brothers and sisters are buried we say with a loud voice ENOUGH IS ENOUGH.
Peace is at the heart of the Christian message and we have gathered here in peace to pray for unity, peace and an end to the senseless killings in all parts of our country. The growing sense of fear, uncertainty and insecurity in our land is both palpable and unacceptable.
We cannot take to arms to defend ourselves but we can arm ourselves with prayer and voice out our displeasure to the Government even as we challenge them to rise up to their constitutional responsibility of safeguarding the life and property of all Nigerians everywhere and at all times.
Through this peaceful prayerful procession/demonstration we condemn in unequivocal terms the incessant and senseless killings in all parts of our country. We reassert and call attention once more to the sanctity of human life.
All life is sacred irrespective of tribe, creed or political affiliations, and so must be cherished and protected by all. We call on the government to deploy its machinery without complicity to stop the bloodletting and killings in our land, bring to justice these enemies of peace and save Nigeria from anarchy and disintegration.
We reassure the government and all Nigerians of our prayerful support even as we commend the souls of all victims of these vicious massacres in Nigeria to the mercy of God. As the blood of martyrs is the seed of the Church so may the lives of these victims be the seed of restoration of peace, unity and responsible governance in our country. May their souls rest in peace. May our blessed Mother Queen and Patroness of Nigeria intercede for us all. Amen.
Signed
Most Rev. John Okeoghene Afareha
Catholic Bishop of Warri