‘Be ready to defend your farmlands, faith’ – Catholic Priests tells Benue youths

The Nigerian Catholic Priests Association (NCPA), Makurdi Diocese, has called on the youth of Benue State to be ready to defend their faith, farmlands, and way of life in the face of persistent violent attacks.

Addressing journalists on Sunday in Makurdi, the Chairman of the NCPA, Rev. Fr. Joseph Beba, condemned the continuous killings in Benue, describing them as “inhumane, barbaric, and a gross violation of the sanctity and dignity of human life.”

Fr. Beba said the priests were deeply pained by the recent coordinated attacks on communities such as Tse Orbiam, Ahume, Jimba, Nagi-Camp, Aondoana, Yelewata, and Abegana — all within the space of a month — which claimed the lives of over 50 people, including women and children. He also decried the attack on fellow clergy, including Rev. Fr. Solomon Atongo.

He called on both the Federal Government and the Benue State Government to take decisive, immediate action to end the bloodshed and restore peace to the affected communities.

“The right to self-defence is inalienable for every citizen,” Fr. Beba declared. “We urge the youth to be prepared to stand firm in defence of their communities and heritage.”

The NCPA also called on Nigerian security agencies — particularly the military — to act with the same professionalism, urgency, and vigilance they display during national elections in protecting vulnerable communities in Benue and across the country.

Fr. Beba criticized the government’s repeated reliance on press statements instead of real action. He stressed that both federal and state governments have a constitutional responsibility to protect lives and property, a duty that must be fulfilled with sincerity and transparency.

He further demanded immediate compensation for victims of the violence and the safe return of displaced persons to their ancestral homes.

“The Church will continue to provide material and humanitarian assistance to the victims,” he added. “We remain committed to the truth of the Gospel and will not be intimidated or silenced.”

He urged the government to fulfil its broader obligations by ensuring access to water, housing, education, freedom of worship, and safety from violence.