Insecurity: Catholic Bishops give FG wake-up call

Catholic bishops joined on Tuesday the popular call for the Federal Government to tackle the insecurity that has taken many lives and property.

The clerics believe the government is not doing enough to stop kidnapping, killings and other crimes afflicting the country.

According to them, it is sad that the government has not designed ways to tame those perpetrating heinous crimes.

To the clerics, what they described as the government’s laxity, is not solving the hydra-headed problems but creating panic among Nigerians.
The bishops issued a communique signed by the Archbishop of Ibadan and the President of the Nigeria Catholic Conference, Ibadan Ecclesiastical Province, Gabriel Abegunrin.

They met on Tuesday at the Pope John Paul II Pastoral Centre in Ado-Ekiti, the Ekiti State capital, where, besides insecurity, other matters, such as the suggestion that churches be licensed, were discussed.

The clerics called on governments in West Africa to invest more in youth development to reduce illegal immigration, prostitution, kidnapping and other social problems.

The communique reads: “When this insecurity started, it was one corner of the country, but now it has gone round the geopolitical zones, what is government doing? If there is no security, there is no reason for government to exist.

“It is unfortunate that Nigerians wake up each day to lament woeful news of killings, lynching, kidnapping and brigandage. Many people, including priests, have fallen victims to this tragically insecure environment.

“The lack of clear pattern of punishing crimes and lip service commitment to the protection of lives and property on the part of the Federal Government and security agencies have made many Nigerians to be living in fear day to day.

“There seems to be no end in sight, especially with allegations of killings by herdsmen being left unattended to. Time is running out for Nigeria if the security is not improved. We call on governments, traditional and other civiI authorities, to please save our country.”

On alleged self-abduction and jailing of priests for rape, the bishops described the developments as manifestations of societal rot and loss of family values, saying all the citizens must share the blame.

(Credit: The Nation)