Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Abuja (Agenzia Fides) - Maiduguri, the capital of the Nigerian State of Borno, has been hit by new attacks committed by Boko Haram, the last dates back to Sunday, September 20 and according to sources, between 54 to 85 people have died. Despite this, the inhabitants of the city who decided to escape the violence, are now returning.
"Most of our people are coming back to their communities" said Fr. Gideon Obasogie, the social communications director of the Catholic Diocese of Maiduguri in Nigeria. He said this to Vatican Radio’s English Service for
Africa. According to a summary of the interview sent to Agenzia Fides, Fr. Obasogie said that "many towns, homes, schools, hospitals, bridges have been razed down by the bombs of Boko Haram. Generally life and movement in this part of Nigeria is very difficult".
"A lot of our people are back, but they look sick, hungry and traumatised", said the priest. "These communities need support. The Bishop of Maiduguri, Oliver Dashe Doeme, has taken the unusual step of sending priests to these same communities where security is far from certain. He wants the priests to accompany the people as they try to rebuild their lives".
The ordination of three new priests in one of the communities that was bombed and ransacked by Boko Haram was a sign of hope. Despite fears of new attacks, the faithful who even come from distant places of the diocese went to the ordination Mass.
Fr. Obasogie finally stated that "the Buhari administration is doing its best to end the insurgency. The military is advancing and recapturing those communities that were under the terrorists' control. Despite this, a lot of people are still afraid of the presence of suicide bombers around the city and villages". (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides 23/09/2015)
