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Ayodeji adebayo.
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June 2, 2025 at 9:15 AM #79618
Ayodeji adebayo
ParticipantCatholic Priests Decry Deadly Herdsmen Attacks: Over 50 Churches Shut, 50 Killed in Makurdi Diocese
The Nigerian Catholic Diocesan Priests Association (NCDPA) in Makurdi Diocese has raised grave concerns over the escalating violence by suspected armed herdsmen in Benue State. According to the association, more than 50 people have been killed and at least 15 Catholic parishes shut down in the past month alone due to relentless attacks.
During a press briefing on Sunday, the Chairman of NCDPA, Revd. Fr. Joseph Beba, described the violence as part of a systematic attempt to wipe out Tiv communities. He expressed frustration at the apparent inaction of security forces, particularly military personnel deployed to the affected areas, accusing them of complicity by standing by while attacks take place.
“Among those affected are Catholic priests, leading to the closure of 15 parishes in the Makurdi Diocese alone,” Fr. Beba stated.
He recounted disturbing incidents, including the shooting of Revd. Fr. Solomon Atongo of St. John’s Quasi Parish, Jimba, who was reportedly gunned down just 500 meters from a military checkpoint at Tse Orbiam. Despite the close proximity of soldiers, no intervention occurred.
Communities such as Tse Orbiam, Ahume, Jimba, Nagi-Camp, Aondoana, Yelewata, and Abegana have been repeatedly attacked, with victims including women, children, and pregnant women. The priests condemned the killings as “inhumane, barbaric, and a grave violation of human dignity.”
The association also suggested that the renewed wave of violence may be linked to the recent international advocacy efforts of Bishop Wilfred Anagbe, who has been outspoken about the persecution of Christians in Nigeria. On May 25, Bishop Anagbe’s hometown of Aondoana was attacked, forcing priests and nuns to flee and hide in the bush. The following day, terrorists stormed Nagi-Camp, located just five kilometers from a military base in Agagbe, again without any security intervention.
On the next night, the Yelewata community in Guma LGA was attacked, resulting in the death of an entire family and a failed assassination attempt on Revd. Fr. Jonathan Ukuma.
The clergy voiced disappointment over the silence and lack of support from both federal and state authorities amid ongoing displacement and grief in their communities.
“We are not sure whose side the military is on. Their behavior raises serious concerns of complicity,” the priests stated.
They called on Governor Hyacinth Alia to take immediate and decisive action against what they labeled as “ethnic cleansing” and urged President Bola Tinubu to declare total war on the foreign militias allegedly behind the violence.
The priests further demanded government compensation for victims, the safe return of displaced persons, and increased security presence, especially on the dangerous Makurdi-Naka and Taraku-Naka roads.
Reaffirming their commitment to preaching the gospel, the clergy declared that they would not be silenced by violence and urged Nigerian youths to be prepared to defend their communities, faith, and land—within the boundaries of the law.
“The right to self-defense is inalienable,” they concluded.
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