Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria, CBCN have condemned in strong terms what they described as the acts of terrorism and increasing insecurity in Northern Nigeria. They therefore appealed to the Federal Government and the Kaduna State Government to act fast in stopping the killings in Southern Kaduna. In a statement issued recently the prelates expressed heartfelt condolences to all those who have been affected by the killings. “Our hearts are bleeding, and we are more troubled when we hear of the massacre presently going on in Southern Kaduna.
We want all the people suffering the incessant attacks in Southern Kaduna to know that all Catholics in Nigeria are praying for them.” The Bishops appealed to politicians not to politicize the mayhem in the state, adding that the loss of life of any Nigerian does not help to further the cause of any religious ideology or the ambition of any politician. The perpetrators of the killings, it submitted, must be made to face the law, noting that where there is no justice or that justice is not seen to be done, there cannot be peace; and where there is no peace, there cannot be meaningful development.
The conference noted with disappointment the unfulfilled promises of Government to Nigerians in the areas of eradication of corruption, security of life and property, creation of jobs, rapid growth in the economy, resucitating the near comatose health care and education sectors. “We strongly appeal to Nigerians to come together in calling the Federal Government to give priorities to these areas of our lives,” the Bishops advised. The Catholic Bishops enjoined all Catholics to join in praying for forty days for the restoration of peace in the Country, starting from 22nd of August, 2020, and ending 30th September, 2020, the eve of Nigeria’s Independence Day. It called on all and sundry to live in love. “We must be instruments of forgiveness and reconciliation. We must be on the part of justice for all and peace in Nigeria,” the Bishops counseled.
