Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Abuja (Agenzia Fides) - "It is fair to say that Boko Haram is against Christians and the Christian religion, but let's be careful not to confuse this sect with the entire Muslim population of Nigeria, with which we try to maintain good relations," says to Fides Agency His Exc. Mgr. Ignatius Ayau Kaigama Archbishop of Jos and President of the Episcopal Conference of Nigeria, commenting on the statement of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN, an association which puts together the major Nigerian Christian denominations including the Catholic Church) which states that "Boko Haram has declared war on Christians." "The declaration of the CAN is correct, but it is not fair to say that the entire Nigerian Muslim population is against Christians" says Mgr. Kaigama.
In recent days Boko Haram hit different areas of northern Nigeria. In Kaduna, capital of the State 3 churches were attacked on Sunday, June 17, the curfew was re-established for 24 hours, while in Damaturu, capital of the Yobe State, at least 40 people were killed in a series of clashes, which lasted hours, between security forces and members of the Islamic sect.
Faced with this wave of violence Mgr. Kaigama invites everyone to stay calm. "Boko Haram - says the Archbishop of Jos - has a structure formed not only by fanatics willing to sacrifice their lives to bring death to others, but also from sponsors, some of whom are foreigners. We must ask our security forces to identify the sponsors and the inspirers for this campaign of violence. Unfortunately, so far, they have not been able to do so," concluded the President of the Nigerian Episcopal Conference. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides 20/6/2012)
