In Nigeria, the ongoing conflicts and violence caused by different armed groups caused security issues in many states. Bishop Wilfred Chikpa Anagbe, bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Makurdi, said in an interview to ACI Africa that because of the instability, many parishes in his diocese were forced to close.

“Benue State is like the epicenter of what is happening. In my Diocese of Makurdi, I have lost about 14 to 15 parishes now. When I mean parishes, some parishes have about 20 outstations, some have about 15. It covers almost about 20 to 25 kilometers. So, the demography of the state and the Diocese is shrinking.”

Bishop Anagbe called out the government for its ineffective measures to stop the violence and enable the people who became displaced to return to their homes. He also added that it is not only a problem in his diocese, but Otukpo Diocese and Katsina-Ala Diocese are struggling with the same issues.

The bishop also voiced his concern over the issues of everyday reports of killings and kidnappings.

“Every day we must hear about killings and kidnappings. And it is not for the people to defend themselves because the protection of lives and properties is in the hands of the government.”

He mentioned the extensive closure of schools as a source of future problems.

“Schools in these areas have been closed down for over 10 years. What we are breeding now is a group of future bandits and terrorists in our villages because the children now have no education and no formation. The government must act now to prevent this ugly trend.”

He also raised the question of current food security issues and pointed out the fact that the government is not able to ensure the safety of farmers who are driven out of their lands and not able to earn a living and provide food for society.

“The protection of lives and properties is in the hands of the government, yet this responsibility has been neglected.”

Bishop Anagbe slammed the government and said that even though the capacity to stop the violence is available in the hands of the government, because of the lack of decisive action and negligence, it has not been initiated so far. He called for all Catholics and Nigerians to remain hopeful in the future and put their trust in God.

Source: ACI Africa