Thursday, March 28, 2024

Ozubulu massacre: Curb arms proliferation, restructure Nigeria, Catholic bishops tell FG

The Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria has tasked the Federal Government to check the proliferation of arms to tackle insecurity in the country.
The call followed the killing of innocent worshipers at the St. Philip Catholic Church, Ozubulu, Anambra State, by yet to be arrested gunmen.
Rising from their second meeting held at the Saint Kizito Pastoral Centre, Oke Gada, Ede, Osun State, the Ibadan Province of the Catholic Bishop Conference comprising of Ibadan, Ilorin, Ondo, Ekiti, Oyo and Osogbo Dioceses of the Catholic Church, the bishops bemoaned the security situation in the country, stressing that there was a need for the enforcement of effective mopping up of illegally imported arms, ammunition and light weapons.
Condemning the massacre of some innocent worshipers during Mass, the bishops while asking security agencies to double their efforts in securing human lives and property, called for the investigation of the source of weapons used by the perpetrators of the Ozubulu mayhem.
In a communiqué issued on Wednesday and signed by the President of the province, Most Rev. Gabriel Abegunrin, and Secretary, Most Rev. John Oyejola, the bishops asked Catholic faithful to pray for the repose of the souls of the victims of the church killing and also asked God to bring lasting peace to Nigeria.
 
It reads, “We commiserate with the bishop of Nnewi Diocese, the government and people of Anambra State and several families directly affected by the mass murder, which occurred on Sundayat St. Philip’s Catholic Church, Ozubulu, Anambra State.
“We uphold still the sanctity of every human life given by God and not to be taken away by anyone and, therefore, can never denounce enough the evil of such a horrendous and callous killing of innocent worshippers right in the church during the holy mass.
“The bottom line is that the security situation in Nigeria remains at best, fragile. We strongly condemn whatever may be at the root of this and similar occurrences.
“Those that are charged with securing human lives and property in the nation must simply do more to protect the citizens. The proliferation of arms in Nigeria deserves urgent and decisive action.
“We call on all our faithful to pray that the souls of the departed may rest in perfect peace and that God may bring enduring peace to Nigeria.
“We also reiterate that the right of all Nigerians to freely adhere to any religion of their choice is sacrosanct and must be protected by all legitimate means.’’
Also, the clerics called for the restructuring of the nation so as to bring about equity and justice adding that “the ongoing discourse about restructuring in Nigeria has gathered considerable momentum.
“In the process, different definitions have emerged on what restructuring could mean and what form such a process should take.
“It is regrettable that an issue of such importance that should be an issue of justice can be subjected to so much intellectual gymnastics, political sentiments and personal interests.
“Most people in Nigeria agree that as it is currently constituted, our country is simply not serving the development and self-realisation of most of its citizens and therefore needs to be revisited.’’
On the education sector, the bishops advised government at all levels to be vigilant and curb the encroaching Comprehensive Sexuality Education and dubious Maternal Health procedures.
“Governments should not spend public money on the proliferation of artificial contraceptive methods to the neglect of basic infrastructure and the grassroots health needs of our people.’’
The bishops said that the Catholic Church, long before Nigeria’s independence, had invested its resources in education because of its commitment to the holistic development of the citizenry.
The bishops, who commended security agencies in Nigeria for their commitment to the integrity of the nation, urged them to eschew all forms of corruption, nepotism and betrayal and fight for the unity and integrity of Nigeria.
“We regret the recent resurgence of Boko Haram activities in the north eastern part of Nigeria. The criminal group seems to have returned with double strength.
“We commend the presidential order that has returned the military service chiefs in full force to the centre of the battle. Sadly the wanton destruction of lives and property in Southern Kaduna is also yet to abate.
“All Nigerians have the responsibility to collaborate with the security agencies by giving information where necessary and obeying the rules of vigilance and personal security at all times.’’
The bishops condemned the current situation in many states in Nigeria, where workers were not paid promptly and regularly for work done.
“Regular remuneration for work done is a matter of justice. Pensioners also continue to languish in painful expectation of their entitlements and many families and individuals are deprived of their legitimate livelihood,” they said.
They asked government at all levels to see to the prompt payment of workers’ salaries and retirees’ entitlements, saying that the inability of state governments to live up to their responsibilities has brought untold suffering and resentment within the society.

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