The Benue State chapter of the Nigerian Catholic Diocesan Priests' Association (NCDPA) has strongly condemned what they describe as the federal and state governments' failure to protect citizens amid escalating terrorist attacks across the state that have claimed over 50 lives.
Speaking at a news conference in Makurdi on Sunday, NCDPA Chairman Rev. Fr. Joseph Terfa Beba denounced the recent coordinated attacks on several Benue communities including Tse Orbiam, Ahume, Jimba, Nagi-Camp, Aondoana, Yelewata, and Abegana.
"These acts are inhumane, barbaric, and a gross violation of the sanctity and dignity of human life," Fr. Beba stated, highlighting the targeting of clergy members including Rev. Fr. Solomon Atongo, who was shot on May 24.
Direct Appeal to Governor Alia
The association directly called on Benue State Governor Hyacinth Iormem Alia to take decisive action, stating: "We call on our brother, the governor of Benue State, to use the overwhelming mandate he received from the masses and stop the ethnic cleansing of Tiv people by these terrorists' herdsmen."
The priests emphasized their connection to the governor, noting that "Governor Alia's victory is our victory, and his failure is our failure," which they said gives them the boldness to offer advice.
The NCDPA also urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to "declare total war against the terrorists" who Governor Alia had previously identified as non-Nigerians besieging Benue State.
Military Response Questioned
The association expressed dismay at what they described as the "low energy" displayed by Nigerian Army personnel stationed near the affected areas, noting that several attacks occurred in close proximity to military checkpoints without intervention.
"The attack and shooting of Rev Fr. Solomon Atongo took place three kilometres away from Naka, and less than 500 metres away from the army checkpoint at Tse Orbiam... without any help or intervention from the army despite several cries for help from the villagers," Fr. Beba said.
The priests suggested these attacks may be coordinated in response to testimony given by Bishop Wilfred Chikpa Anagbe in the United States and Europe regarding the persecution of Christians in Benue and Nigeria. They noted that Aondoana village, the bishop's hometown, was among those attacked.
Calls for Action
The NCDPA called for security agencies to demonstrate the same level of efficiency and vigilance they show during elections when protecting communities. They demanded immediate compensation for victims and the return of displaced persons to their ancestral homes.
The association also urged youth "to be prepared to defend their faith, their farmlands and their way of life," stating that "the right to self-defence is an inalienable right for all citizens."
According to the priests, the situation has become so dire that the Naka-Makurdi Road is "practically no longer passable" and people from Gwer West Local Government Area are "dangerously encamped in Naka."
The NCDPA concluded by calling on all faithful to "remain steadfast in prayer, courageous in truth, and unwavering in hope" during these challenging times.
