- It constitutes moral and constitutional failure
From Fred Ezeh, Abuja
The Catholic Bishops under the umbrella of Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) have lambasted the Benue State Government for their inability to contain the growing number of deaths and losses as a result of growing activities of armed criminals.
The Bishops stated that there’s no justification for the continuous bloodletting in Benue State, as it constitutes a grave moral and constitutional failure on the part of the government.
The Bishops also accused the federal government of doing little or nothing in ensuring that lasting peace returns to the warring communities in Benue State, insisting that
In a statement on Friday, the CBCN President, Archbishop Lucius Iwejuru Ugorji, the cold-blooded attacks on defenceless communities where countless have been slaughtered, homes destroyed, and families left in anguish are an affront to God, a stain on shared humanity, and a terrifying reminder of the utter breakdown of security in the land.
He said: “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. Hence, 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, no matter how well a government pays salaries or builds roads, its failure to protect human lives renders its achievements hollow. The sanctity of human life is supreme. It is sacred. It is inviolable. Any government that fails to make the safety and protection of its citizens and their property its foremost priority abdicates 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 also 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.”
Meanwhile, the CBCN has commiserated with Niger State government on the flood that resulted in enormous loss of life, injury, displacement, and destruction of homes and infrastructure in Mokwa and surrounding villages.
“The scale of this disaster calls for urgent, coordinated relief and rehabilitation efforts to
restore hope and dignity to the affected communities.”
The CBCN President commended the government’s response so far but urged more comprehensive and compassionate action to support the victims, alleviate their 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 brings rest to the souls of the departed and comfort to all who suffer.”
