The Nigerian Catholic Priests Association (NCPA), Makurdi Diocese, has called on the Federal and Benue State governments to take decisive actions to end continuous killings by terrorists in the state.
NCPA Chairman, Rev. Fr Joseph Beba, who made the call on Sunday in Makurdi while addressing newsmen, condemned the recent gruesome attacks on their brothers and sisters, including Rev. Fr Solomon Atongo.
Beba said the coordinated violence unleashed on the communities of Tse Orbiam, Ahume, Jimba, Nagi-Camp, Aondoana, Yelewata and Abegana within one month has left more than 50 people dead, including women and children.
The chairman described the acts as inhumane, barbaric, and a gross violation of the sanctity and dignity of human life.
He urged the security agencies, especially the military, to be consciously and deliberately professional and patriotic in the discharge of their duties across Nigeria.
The cleric further urged them that the same level of efficiency, swiftness and vigilance they often display during general elections must be applied to protecting lives and communities in Benue and across Nigeria.
“Government must be responsible and accountable and must respond by action and not only by mere press statements in the comfort of their conference rooms and offices.
“We remind both the federal and state governments of their constitutional mandate to safeguard the lives and dignity of all citizens.
“This is a sacred duty they swore to, and this must be pursued with urgency, sincerity, and transparency.
“We request immediate compensation to victims of this violence and the return of those displaced to their ancestral homes.
“We call on the youth to be prepared to defend their faith, their farmlands and their way of life. The right to self-defence is an inalienable one for all citizens,” he said.
Beba said the association was firmly committed to the truth of the gospel and shall do everything possible and necessary within the ambit of the law to resist any form of intimidation,and threats to silence those speaking truth to power.
According to him, the church of Makurdi Diocese has always provided material and humanitarian assistance to victims of these attacks, but the church has not been appreciated enough.
The chairman reminded the state and federal governments of their responsibility to provide water, housing, education, freedom of worship and security against all evil men and women.
