Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Abuja (Agenzia Fides) - "It is a primary task of the government to guarantee the safety of life and property of citizens across the nation. There is no excuse not to fulfill this primary duty." It is the warning launched by the Bishops of Nigeria to civilian and military authorities to take action decisively to stop the wave of violence unleashed in different parts of the country by the Boko Haram sect.
In the statement of the Bishops' Conference of Nigeria, of which a copy was sent to Fides Agency, the victims of recent attacks carried out by Boko Haram are recalled: "people who have died in bomb blasts and attacks in retaliation are all innocent children of God, men, women and children, Christians and Muslims, of different tribes, all Nigerians, all equally created and loved by God."
Among the targets hit, there are several Christian churches and the Bishops point out: "Whether or not a strategy, these actions submit to strong pressure on the already fragile relations between the Christian and Muslim communities in Nigeria. Feelings of anger and hatred are growing day by day and ahve reached a dangerous level. We must all act now and decisively to stop and defuse the tension."
The Bishops, on their behalf, commit themselves to preaching peace and reconciliation, trying to appease people, but warn that without guarantees of security, their sermons are likely to "fall on deaf ears, and those who seek retaliation as a form of deterrence will not be controllable. There is a palpable danger in the air."
Referring to the Islamic community, the Bishops say: "we note with satisfaction that many recognized Muslim leaders have clearly condemned these actions and violent criminals. But verbal condemnation is not enough. We need concrete and pro-active action to deter the perpetrators of violence to continue to wreak havoc in our nation in the name of religion." (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides 26/6/2012)
