AFRICA/NIGERIA - "Do not give in to the temptation of revenge", says the Bishop of Maiduguri to the displaced persons who have returned to their destroyed homes

Abuja (Agenzia Fides) - "They can destroy our buildings, but not our faith. Our faith is strong and alive ... in the persecution we are purified", said His Exc. Mgr. Oliver Dashe Doeme, Bishop of Maiduguri (in the northeast of Nigeria), who visited the displaced people who have returned to the villages which have just been liberated by the presence of Boko Haram, by troops from Nigeria, Niger, Cameroon and Chad.
According to what was reported to Agenzia Fides by Fr. Gideon Obasogie, Director of Communications of the Diocese of Maiduguri, the delegation led by Mgr. Doeme visited several communities in Adamawa and Borno States. The Diocese of Maiduguri in fact includes Borno State (of which Maiduguri is the capital), Yobe and some areas of Adamawa.
The displaced persons and refugees who have returned from Cameroon face enormous difficulties. Several families are still separated and many people are reported missing. The elderly who could not flee preferred to die rather than renounce the Christian faith. Houses were completely looted, churches and other church buildings were completely destroyed.
But the Bishop and the priests who accompanied him during the Mass of reconciliation urged the faithful not to give in to the temptation of revenge and to remain firm in their faith, remembering that the Rosary is the most powerful weapon for a Christian. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides 08/04/2015)