A group of Catholic priests has expressed grave concern over the escalating violence and killings in Benue State and other parts of Nigeria, calling on President Bola Tinubu to declare a state of emergency in the state.
The priests, under the aegis of the Charismatic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN), at a world press conference on Wednesday condemned the persistent attacks on innocent citizens, particularly in the Middle Belt region, and urged the government to take immediate action to address the crisis.
Their call for action comes on the heels of threats made against Bishop Wilfred Chikpa Anagbe, the Catholic Bishop of Makurdi Diocese, who has been vocal about the plight of the people in Benue State.
In his address, Bishop Leonard Bature Kawas, the President-General of the group, expressed solidarity with their fellow bishop, who has faced backlash for speaking out against the atrocities committed against defenseless communities.
The statement highlighted the devastating impact of the violence on the people of Benue State, including the destruction of homes, churches, and livelihoods.
The priests emphasized that the situation has been ongoing since 2001, with the frequency and brutality of the attacks increasing over the years.
In light of the dire situation, the priests are urging President Tinubu to declare a state of emergency in Benue State and take concrete steps to address the crisis.
They emphasized the need for the government to protect its citizens and ensure that those responsible for the violence are held accountable.
The priests’ call for action is not limited to the government; they are also appealing to the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria, civil society organizations, and the international community to join them in condemning the violence and advocating for the safety and rights of the people of Benue State.
“The recent spate of insecurity in our nation is so worrisome that one would wonder if this is not the same Nigeria that silenced the dreaded Liberian rebels and sent peace keepers all over West Africa who were exceptional in carrying out their duties and earned acoilades where ever they were assigned,”Bishop Kawas said.
“We stand with Bishop Wilfred Chikpa Anagbe in his courageous stance against the atrocities committed against our people. As shepherds of the flock, it is our duty to speak out against injustice and defend the dignity of human life.
“The persistent killings, displacement, and trauma inflicted on our communities are a grave affront to humanity, and we will not be silenced. The situation in Benue State has become unbearable.
“Innocent citizens are being killed, their homes burned, and their livelihoods destroyed. The government’s inaction is deafening, and it seems as though the lives of our people are of little consequence.
“We cannot continue to watch as our communities are ravaged by violence and destruction. We urge that President Bola Tinubu to declare a state of emergency in Benue State to address the catastrophic situation on the ground.
“The government must act swiftly to protect its citizens, hold perpetrators accountable, and bring an end to the bloodshed. We will not stand idly by while our people are slaughtered like animals; it is time for decisive action, not empty words.”
