President of the Nigerian Catholic Bishops’ Conference (CBCN), most pastor Lucius Ugorji, issued an alarm about Nigeria’s worsening insecurity, declaring that the country appears to be a “siege”.
Ugorji conveyed an Easter message in Owerri, the capital of the IMO state, condemning the kidnapping of ransoms and the brutal killing of innocent citizens across the country, describing the situation as a horrible and disturbing situation.
“We celebrate Easter this year in an atmosphere full of pessimism and despair,” he said. “The general sense of insecurity in life and property has been exacerbated by the increased kidnapping of ransoms, the unconscious massacre of innocent people by criminal gangs.”
According to the pastor, no part of the country feels safe.
He lamented: “We seem to be a besieged country. Nowhere is spared – our houses, commercial places, highways, and even sacred worship districts are no longer safe.”
Ugorji criticized what he said was the lack of political will to decisively deal with the rising trend of crime, warning that the public is increasingly turning to self-help to protect their lives and livelihoods.
His comments are a surge in violent attacks in parts of the country, especially in Benue and the Plateau states, where armed bandits and criminal gangs continue to cause damage.
In Benus State, Governor Alia recently confirmed the logo and 55 people in the Ukum local government area were killed.
Similarly, in the Plateau State, Governor Caleb Mutfwang urged residents of Zilkke Village in Bassa’s local government area to remain alert and defend themselves after a series of deadly attacks.
This was after a brutal attack on Zilkke village where more than 50 people were killed, dozens of people were injured (including women and children) and gunmen burned more than 40 houses.
