Nigerian Bishop Accuses Government of Having the Capacity to End Attacks
Bishop Wilfred Chikpa Anagbe states that Nigerian authorities have the capacity to end violence in Benue state but lack the political will to act.
TL;DR
- Bishop Wilfred Chikpa Anagbe of Makurdi Diocese, Nigeria, criticizes the government for failing to end persistent attacks in Benue state and elsewhere.
- He asserts that the government has the capacity but lacks the political will to stop the violence, citing ignored warnings before a deadly attack on Yelwata.
- Anagbe lamented the absence of security intervention during the four-hour attack on Yelwata.
- He expressed concern about the government's approach to repentant ex-insurgents potentially infiltrating security structures.
- The Church is honoring victims of the violence with a memorial in Yelwata, preserving their identities for future generations.
- The bishop called on Catholic laypeople to actively participate in politics, economic development, education, and justice promotion, acting as the 'salt of the earth and light of the world'.
- He stressed the importance of Catholic politicians demonstrating consistency between their faith and their public responsibilities, urging them to live Christian values in their daily duties.