From Noah Ebije, Kaduna
A Northern group under the auspices of Pathfinders Arewa Projects (PAP) has slammed the charismatic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) over its call for a declaration of a state of emergency in Benue State.
Following recent massive killings of innocent citizens by armed herders in some communities of Benue State, the Bishops urged the federal government to declare state of emergency in the State to stem the tide of unprovoked bloody attacks.
However, addressing a press conference on Thursday, Chairman of PAP, Abdulhamid Abdullahi Jakadan said the action of the Bishops showed that they were allegedly sponsored by politicians to undermine the administration of the governor of the State, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia.
“We acknowledge the concerns raised by the Charismatic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) over the unfortunate loss of lives and persistent security challenges in Benue State.
“The anguish of affected communities is shared by all Nigerians, and any efforts to bring peace and justice to victims deserve should be supported.
“However, the recent press statement by Bishop Leonard Kawas on behalf of the CBCN, contains troubling inflammatory rhetoric and dangerously politicized narratives that must be corrected.
“Calling on President Bola Tinubu to declare a state of emergency in Benue State, as suggested by the CBCN, is condemnable. The current situation in Benue, as grave as it is, does not call for imposition of state of emergency.
“If state of emergency was is the solution why was it not imposed on Zamfara or Katsina or Borno states where hundreds of people have either been killed or abducted by criminal elements?. If state of emergency was not imposed on these states, why is the CBCN advocating for it in Benue state?
“The position of the CBCN smacks of partisan politics. It seems they are being sponsored by those opposed to Governor Hycinth Alia, to undermine his efforts at addressing the crisis.
“Men of God are men of integrity, they should not allow themselves to be used by politicians bent at undermining the governor.
“We are of the view that focus should be on strengthening security architecture, enhancing local conflict resolution mechanisms, and promoting inclusive dialogue among all ethnic and religious groups.
“We agree that injustice must never be tolerated. However, justice should be pursued with truth, restraint, and responsibility.
“The CBCN, as moral leaders, should help build bridges rather than reinforce stereotypes or propagate divisive narratives.
“While the government must indeed do more, it is incorrect to claim total “inaction.” Security agencies have increased deployments in affected regions, while the federal and state governments have initiated dialogues and resettlement programs.
“These efforts may fall short, but discrediting them entirely is neither fair nor productive. Constructive criticism must be accompanied with proposals that foster collective security rather than deepen mistrust.
“We call on the CBCN and other religious institutions to embrace their pivotal role in fostering peace, not panic.
“Religious leaders carry immense influence and must use their platforms to unify, heal, and de-escalate — not to amplify sectarian anxieties or lend legitimacy to conspiracy theories.
“Let us stand together to demand security and justice while preserving the unity, diversity, and constitutional integrity of Nigeria.
“The security challenges in Benue, are rooted in long-standing competition over land, environmental degradation, and weak state mechanisms for conflict resolution. Portraying the crisis strictly through a religious or ethnic lens risks further inflaming tensions and inciting division in a pluralistic society”. Jakadan said.