“We have lost about 325 churches”: Catholic Bishop in Nigeria on Effects of Christian Persecution in His Episcopal See

He went on to fault Nigeria’s Federal and State governments for “not doing enough” with regard to security of citizens.  

“We are calling on the government to take the security of the citizens very seriously; I think they are not doing enough,” the pioneer Bishop of the Nigerian Diocese that Pope Francis erected in December 2022 told ACI Africa.

The displacement of farming communities in Wukari Diocese has not only caused social and spiritual disruptions but also poses a threat to food security in the region, he said, and warned, “Without divine intervention, nobody can imagine the terrible negative effects on food security in the coming year.” 

“The ongoing violence, coupled with erratic weather patterns, has already started to take its toll. It's raining in other places, but it's not raining in Taraba State. People have said all the prayers, and yet the heavens are reacting against the injustice and violence in our environment,” he said.

The 55-year-old Nigerian Church leader, who started his Episcopal Ministry in April 2023 also highlighted the agricultural potential of Southern Taraba, noting that if peace is restored, the region's rich agricultural landscape could provide a “prosperous future for its residents.”

“Southern Taraba is a highly blessed place with a very, very rich agricultural landscape. If the people really cooperate, they are going to reap the fruit of that blessed land,” he said.

Despite the challenges, Bishop Maigida encouraged the people of God in his Episcopal See to remain “hopeful and united.”

“They should keep hope alive, but they should also try and close ranks. Let them have confidence in one another and trust that, with the grace of God, they can rise above their issues,” the Nigerian Catholic Bishop told ACI Africa during the September 9 interview.

Meanwhile, Nigeria’s Catholic Diocese of Yola is reaching out to dozens of vulnerable children with school supplies. 

In a September 7 interview with ACI Africa, the Local Ordinary of the Yola, Bishop Stephen Dami Mamza, said the reaching out to 50 orphans was part of the activities to commemorate the 2024 United Nations World Charity Day, observed annually on September 5, the Feast Day of St. Teresa of Calcutta.

The initiative that involved donation of books, writing materials, school bags, and financial assistance for uniforms, Bishop Mamza said, aimed to “alleviate the financial burden on orphans and encourage their education despite economic challenges.”

“Mother Teresa gave her life to caring for the poor and needy, and we, as human beings, are supposed to be moved by love,” Bishop Mamza said.

Reflecting on the importance of the donation, he said despite Nigeria’s challenging circumstances, “there are always opportunities to make a difference.”

“No matter how little we can do, it can change a situation and improve the lives of people,” the Local Ordinary of Yola Diocese since his Episcopal Consecration in April 2011 said, and added, “We said, let us look for 50 orphans – those who have nobody or very little – to give them something as they prepare to start school. Many of these children lacked basic school supplies, which often hindered their educational progress.”

Bishop Mamza went on to underscore the importance of education, calling it the “greatest gift anyone can receive”

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“Once knowledge is given, it can never be taken away,” he said, and cautioned the beneficiaries of the donations against despair amid challenges. 

“The biggest thing you can give somebody is education, knowledge. Without it, you cannot be anything. Without going to school, you cannot be a counsellor, a local government chairman, or even a governor,” he said.

Bishop Mamza said the donations did not consider the religious affiliations of the beneficiaries, and explained, “These children, regardless of their faith, should be motivated to go to school. Education is a right, not a privilege.”

“I hope that whatever is given to you will be used judiciously and help add to your knowledge in school,” he said.

Also speaking to ACI Africa, one of the beneficiaries, Jessica Joseph, acknowledged the donations with gratitude, saying, “I feel like I will jump. I’m happy. We thank God and Bishop Mamza for this help.”

“We thank you, and we pray that God will give you the energy to do it again,” Jessica said.