Catholic Priest Erects 12-Foot Crucifix to Unite Warring Nigerian Tribes

The fifth phase which claimed the life of a priest who was shot and burnt while returning from a meeting to mediate in a conflict was followed by the recent one in 2023.

In the November 6 report, Fr. Odey said that the constant attacks have instilled fear in the people within the community and feels that the crucifix will be looked at as a source of solace thereby inspiring the perpetrator to embrace peace.

“Members of the community are always afraid of coming back home because there is no peace. And if the Gospel of Jesus must be preached, we need people, and that people can go there to pray, trusting that God will heal and restore them,” the Nigerian Priest said.

Besides the Tiv/Jukun violence, other tribes that are constantly in conflict in the Southern Taraba zone include; the Kuteb/Jukun, Tiv/Kuteb, and now Ichen/Tiv. 

This year’s July clashes that involved the Karimjos and  Wurkuns tribes claimed at least 50 lives with massive destruction of property.

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In August, the pioneer Bishop of the Diocese decried communal clashes in the region calling for peace as “a breathing space” to realize development in the zone.

“We are really tired of being the epicenter of communal clashes in the State and in the country – a situation that has refused to give us a breathing space for peace and development to thrive in the zone in particular and the State in general,” Bishop Mark Maigida Nzukwein said.

The Bishop added “Peace and tranquility have eluded Southern Taraba for quite some time now because, unfortunately, the inhabitants of this zone have refused to give peace a chance. Or rather they have failed to understand the true concept, the value and foundation for peace.”

The 54-year-old Nigerian Bishop urged the State Government to rise up to the occasion in the State and, in justice, explore all means possible in order to broker a truce between the warring parties for the sake of peace.

Silas Mwale Isenjia is a Kenyan journalist with a great zeal and interest for Catholic Church related communication. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Linguistics, Media and Communication from Moi University in Kenya. Silas has vast experience in the Media production industry. He currently works as a Journalist for ACI Africa.