From Scholastica Hir, Makurdi
The Nigerian Catholic Diocesan Priests Association (NCDPA), Makurdi Diocese, has called on President Bola Tinubu to declare war against terrorists who have besieged Benue State and Nigeria at large.
Chairman of NCDPA Makurdi Diocese, Rev. Fr. Joseph Beba, while addressing newsmen in Makurdi yesterday, said members of NCDPA, after its general meeting on Tuesday, May 27, 2025, at Divine Mercy Quasi Parish, Howe, condemn the recent gruesome attacks on their brothers and sisters, including Fr. Solomon Atongo, the priest in charge of St John’s Quasi Parish Jimba.
They also condemned the coordinated violence unleashed on the communities of Tse Orbiam, Ahume, Jimba, Nagi-Camp, Aondoana, Yelewata and Abegana,saying that over 50 people were left dead in Makurdi Diocese in the last one month.
According to him those who were killed included women and children,while over 15 pastoral units have been affected and shut over the attacks.
While describing the acts as inhumane, barbaric, and a gross violation of the sanctity and dignity of human life, the priests called on the state Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, to use the overwhelming mandate he received from the masses and stop the ethnic cleansing of Tiv people by the killer herdsmen.
They cautioned that:”Failure to be decisive in coordinating and directly confronting these terrorists and their masterminds to bring to an end the persistent bloodshed and injustice on his weak and defenseless masses in the villages, would be seen as indifference or insensitivity and “to be silent is to die twice.” His victory is our victory, and his failure is our failure; that is why we make bold to advice.”
They also expressed dismay over the low energy displayed by the Nigerian Army stationed at some of the affected areas and their inability to stop the attacks or go after the terrorists, saying their acts betrays professionalism and speaks complicity.
They said the attack and shooting of Fr. Solomon Atongo on May 24, 2025, took place 3 Kilometers away from Naka, and less than 500 meters away from the army check point at Tse Orbiam without any help or intervention from the army despite several cries for help from the villagers.
They also said : “These attacks are a direct attack on Bishop Anagbe and the Catholic Church he represents. We believe they were coordinated in response to the bishop’s testimony in the US and Europe on the systematic persecution of Christians in Benue and Nigeria.
“This is a proof beyond doubts. Ahume and Jimba communities were attacked the following day, May 25. Later in the evening, Aondoana village, the hometown of the Catholic Bishop of Makurdi, Most Reverend Wilfred Chikpa Anagbe was also invaded.
“The priest in charge of the mission at Aondoana, Rev. Fr. Peter Shima, VC and the Claretian Sisters had to run into the bush for safety; they are yet to recover from the trauma.Many people, including a two-year-old and a pregnant woman were gruesomely murdered.
“We therefore, urge the Nigerian security agencies, especially the military, to be consciously and deliberately professional and patriotic in the discharge of their duties across Nigeria. The same level of efficiency, swiftness and vigilance the army often display during general elections must be applied to protecting lives and communities in Benue and across Nigeria.
“We are firmly committed to the truths of the gospel and shall do everything possible and necessary within the ambit of the law to resist any form of intimidation and threats to silence those speaking truth to power.”
The priests also called on the youth to be prepared to defend their faith, their farmlands and their way of life,adding that: “In these trying times however, we entrust our people and land to the mercy of God,while calling on all faithful to remain steadfast in prayer, courageous in truth, and unwavering in hope.
In his contribution, Vice President of Diocesan Laity Council,Callistus Ogboho expressed worry that for over 10 years, killings and displacements of both priests and innocent residents have continued unabated. He called on the federal and state government to act swiftly in safeguarding lives and properties of the people before the brewing anger over boils.