The Holy Rosary Has Been More Powerful than Militants Weapons, Nigerian Catholic Bishop on Combating Insecurity

Although yearning for direct intervention in the attacks, the Catholic Church leader believed that a spiritual strategy would be more effective.

“I told them, let us carry our Holy Rosary. I knew that our Rosary is more powerful than the AK-47 rifles those guys in the bush rely on. We began praying various decades of the Holy Rosary, and now, the situation is changing,” he said.

Bishop Dugu further said that their prayers have brought some of the criminals out of hiding.

“The boys who were once faceless are now known to us,” Bishop Dugu said, and added, “Just this morning, two of the most notorious ones in the bush called me after I sent word that I wanted to meet with them. One of them even sent me a video.”

The Nigerian Catholic Bishop underscored the necessity of prayer in addressing insecurity in the West African country, saying, “Prayer is something we cannot trade or compromise for anything. It is the key to success, no matter the position you hold.”

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In addition to spiritual efforts, the Nigerian Diocese has collaborated with traditional leaders to tackle the root causes of the insecurity. 

“While we are praying, we are also adopting practical strategies, one of which is involving traditional leaders, as they are closer to the people and understand the community dynamics. The bandits and kidnappers are often their sons, so it’s essential for the Church to collaborate with traditional rulers in this fight,” Bishop Dugu said.

He acknowledged that the Church cannot fight the crisis alone and that partnerships with local leaders are crucial. 

The Bishop noted that the ongoing insecurity has taken a toll on agriculture, the primary source of livelihood in the Diocese. 

“Insecurity has seriously hindered agricultural activities in my diocese, leading to reduced food supplies both in the markets and in families,” Bishop Dugu lamented.

He said restricted access to farmland has created ripple effects across the country. “It has affected not just my diocese but the entire country. We are seeing food shortages because people are restricted from farming in many areas,” the Local Ordinary of Katsina-Ala said.

Bishop Dugu advocated for communal sharing of farmland and urged traditional rulers to persuade bandits to abandon their criminal activities. 

“We continue to encourage families to share the little land they have with one another. We also call on traditional leaders to speak to their wards in the bush and encourage them to give up banditry and choose peace,” he told ACI Africa.

Abah Anthony John is a Nigerian Journalist with great enthusiasm and interest for Catholic Church Communication and Media Apostolate. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Mass Communication from Benue State University, Makurdi, Benue State Nigeria. He has vast experience in Print,  Electronic and Multi-Media Production.