Catholic Priests condemn herdsmen attacks on clergy, communities in Benue

The Benue State chapter of the Nigerian Catholic Diocesan Priests’ Association (NCDPA) has condemned the inability of both the federal and state governments to protect citizens in the face of rising terrorist attacks across the state.

At a press conference held in Makurdi on Sunday, the association’s chairman, Rev. Fr. Joseph Terfa Beba, lamented the killing of over 50 people in what he described as coordinated assaults on several Benue communities.

Fr. Beba strongly condemned the recent attacks on Catholic clergy and communities, including the shooting of Rev. Fr. Solomon Atongo of St. John’s Quasi Parish, Jimba, and the violence in Tse Orbiam, Ahume, Nagi-Camp, Aondoana, Yelewata, and Abegana—many of which claimed the lives of women and children.

“These acts are barbaric and a gross violation of the sanctity of human life,” Fr. Beba stated, calling on Governor Hyacinth Alia, a fellow clergyman, to leverage the people’s mandate and halt the ethnic cleansing of Tiv people by suspected terrorist herdsmen.

He warned that any failure by the government to decisively confront the violence would be viewed as indifference, stating, “To be silent is to die twice.”

The priests expressed dismay over what they described as the lacklustre response of the Nigerian Army stationed in the affected areas. Fr. Atongo was attacked just 500 metres from a military checkpoint at Tse Orbiam, with no intervention despite urgent distress calls. The following day, Aondoana—home of the Bishop of Makurdi Diocese, Most Revd Wilfred Chikpa Anagbe—was invaded, forcing Rev. Fr. Peter Shima and Claretian Sisters to flee into the bush.

Further attacks occurred in Nagi-Camp on May 26 and Yelewata in Guma LGA, where a family of three was killed, and Rev. Fr. Jonathan Ukuma narrowly escaped. The wave of violence has also displaced the Ayar-Mbalom community, where Rev. Fr. Felix Nyinya fled for safety.

Fr. Beba questioned the army’s role in these crises, alleging complicity and betrayal of public trust. “Even with military presence, our people are not safe. We’re unsure whose side they’re on,” he said.

He also criticized both state and federal leaders for failing to visit the affected communities or offer support, even after attacks on priests and the bishop’s village.

The NCDPA called on President Bola Tinubu to declare a total war against the terrorists, noting that Governor Alia had identified the attackers as non-Nigerians. The group demanded the military exhibit the same professionalism seen during elections when responding to community threats.

Additionally, the priests urged for compensation for victims, return of displaced persons to their ancestral homes, and a government response that goes beyond mere press releases. They emphasized the Church’s continued support for victims and encouraged citizens, especially the youth, to defend their faith and livelihoods.

“The right to self-defence is inalienable,” Fr. Beba stressed. “We entrust our people and land to God’s mercy and call on all the faithful to remain steadfast in prayer and resilient in hope.”