A Wave of Terror Hits Benue State: Nigerian Catholic Priests Condemn Government Inaction
The Nigerian Catholic Diocesan Priests’ Association has strongly condemned the federal and Benue State governments for their inability to protect citizens from terrorist invasions. This comes after a series of coordinated attacks on Benue communities, resulting in the deaths of over 50 people. Rev. Fr Joseph Terfa Beba, chairman of the association, called the attacks “inhumane, barbaric, and a gross violation of human life.”
The priests specifically cited the recent attacks on communities such as Tse Orbiam, Ahume, Jimba, Nagi-Camp, Aondoana, Yelewata, and Abegana, which left many dead, including women and children. They also highlighted the attack on Rev Fr Solomon Atongo, a priest who was shot and wounded during one of the attacks. The association believes that these attacks are a direct response to the bishop’s testimony in the United States and Europe on the systematic persecution of Christians in Benue and Nigeria.
The priests are urging President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to declare total war against the terrorists, who have been identified as non-Nigerians. They also criticized the Nigerian Army for their inaction, stating that their failure to stop the attacks or pursue the terrorists “betrayed professionalism and spoke of complicity.” The association noted that the army’s presence in the affected areas has not brought any sense of security, and in some cases, has even raised questions about their mission and allegiance.
The situation in Benue State is dire, with the Naka-Makurdi Road rendered impassable and the people of Gwer West Local Government Area forced to seek refuge in Naka. Despite the scale of violence and displacement, no arrests have been made, and the government has yet to visit the affected areas to offer support or condolences.
The Nigerian Catholic Diocesan Priests’ Association is calling on the government to take immediate action to protect the lives and property of citizens. They are demanding that the military be more proactive in defending communities and that the government provide compensation to victims of the violence and support for those displaced. The association is also urging the youth to be prepared to defend their faith, farmlands, and way of life, emphasizing that the right to self-defense is an inalienable right for all citizens.
In the face of this crisis, the priests are entrusting the people and land to the mercy of God, calling on all faithful to remain steadfast in prayer, courageous in truth, and unwavering in hope. As the situation in Benue State continues to deteriorate, the international community is being called upon to take notice and demand action from the Nigerian government to protect its citizens and bring an end to the violence.
