Catholic Bishops call for cessation of bombings, killings in Nigeria

Catholic Bishops of Owerri Ecclesiastical Province rose from their first annual plenary meeting at Maria Assumpta Pastoral Centre, Owerri, weekend, decrying what they described as “a climate of fear and mistrust” in the country.

The six-point communiqué was signed by the Archbishop of Owerri, Most Rev. Anthony J.V. Obinna and the Bishop of Orlu, Most Rev Augustine Ukwuoma, who double as Chairman and Secretary respectively.

“In the face of the gravity of threat of Boko Haram to national peace and security, we totally condemn the cowardly and dastardly acts,” the Catholic Bishops stated.

They called on government to act decisively and urgently in bringing to book the sponsors and perpetrators of this evil, as well as reassure the people on the security of their lives and property. “We share the pains of the victims of the recent bombings and killings by the Boko Haram sect. Our hearts reach out to them and their families,” the Bishops said.

The Catholic clerics expressed happiness that men and women of vision and goodwill who, through their insights and hard work, are helping to resolve the volatile state of the nation.

“We appeal for more transparency and enjoin every citizen of Nigeria to endeavour to be credible in all dealings. We should trust and make ourselves trustworthy. We should all work together to breakdown the structures of corruption and mistrust in our society,” the Bishops pleaded.

Source: Vanguard