“Take security as a top priority for every Nigerian,” Religious Leaders Tell Government

They also “condemn absolutely, the political thuggery that threatens human life and peaceful coexistence.”

“Maiduguri, in particular should not be allowed to be run over by the insurgents who have been throwing mortals there, killing people,” the religious leaders say referencing the violence in the largest city of Borno State in north-eastern Nigeria.

They recall the Shehu of Borno’s traditional Sallah homage to the Governor of Borno State where he (Shehu) lamented, “My people in Borno are no longer safe.” 

“The security Agents must fish out the criminals to face justice. The security Agents must mop up the arms and ammunition in the hands of criminals,” the members of NIREC further say and add, “The government must ensure a complete stop to the proliferation of all forms of weapons that criminals use to destroy life and property.”

Religious leaders and members of the civil society in the country have expressed concerns about the increasing terrorist attacks in the North-Eastern part of Nigeria and the various criminal activities in various parts of the West African nation.

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On July 30, members of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) condemned in totality the recent gruesome and barbaric slaughtering of unarmed Christians in the area during a curfew imposed by the state government Southern Kaduna.

“As a matter of urgency,” the Catholic Prelates called on the government to “rise up to its responsibility and put a stop to the mindless killings of innocent citizens in our country.”

They added, “If it fails to do this, it is silently encouraging the total breakdown of law and order in the country.”

Magdalene Kahiu is a Kenyan journalist with passion in Church communication. She holds a Degree in Social Communications from the Catholic University of Eastern Africa (CUEA). Currently, she works as a journalist for ACI Africa.