The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) has condemned the recent killings in Benue State.
CBCN stated this on Friday in a statement signed by it’s President, the Archbishop of Owerri, Lucius Ugorji.
The Catholic bishops said the evil act is an affront on God and a terrifying reminder of the utter breakdown of security in the country.
“There is no justification whatsoever for the continuous bloodletting that has become the daily reality of many in Benue State and across Nigeria. The relentless attacks on innocent and defenceless communities under the watch of civil authorities constitute a grave moral and constitutional failure. This carnage must end!
“We recognise the efforts of the Benue State Government. especially in the areas of infrastructural development, the opening of impoverished neighbourhoods in Makurdi through road construction, the improved transportation system connecting surrounding villages to the capital, and the consistent payment of salaries to civil servants between the 23rd and 25th of each month. These are commendable strides in governance,”.
However, the CBCN said, no matter how well a government pays salaries or builds roads, failure to protect human lives has rendered it’s achievements hollow.
The Catholic bishops added that any government that fail to protect the lives and protect of its citizens has abdicated its fundamental responsibility and moral legitimacy.
” We, therefore, call on the Government of Benue State, and indeed the Federal Government of Nigeria., to rise beyond mere rhetoric and take immediate, firm, and sustained action to secure lives and restore hope to our people. The perpetrators of these heinous crimes must be identified. apprehended, and brought to justice without delay. We call on the security agencies to end the culture of impunity and bring professionalism, intelligence, and compassion to bear in addressing the deepening insecurity. Every Nigerian life matters. Every single death in such circumstances is a national tragedy and a scandal against our common humanity,” the CBCN said.
The Catholic church also expressed saddened over the devastating floods in Mokwa and surrounding areas in Niger State, adding that the scale of disaster calls for urgent relief and rehabilitation efforts to restore hope to the affected communities.
We commend the government’s response so far but urge more comprehensive and compassionate action to support the victims, alleviate thew suffering, and rebuild the devastated areas. At the same time, we call on the authorities to take proactive and preventive measures to mitigate the risk of future disasters and better protect vulnerable communities.
“To the bereaved, displaced. traumatised. and wounded, we extend the deepest sympathy and spiritual closeness of the Catholic Church in Nigeria. Our hearts break with yours. We pray that Christ’s mercy bangs rest to the souls of the departed and comfort to all who suffer. Amen,”.
