CATHOLIC PRIESTS PROTEST IN OGUN, OYO OVER KILLINGS OF COLLEAGUES BY HERDSMEN

The Protesters carried various placards with inscriptions such as ‘President Buhari, protect Nigerians or resign’, ‘Stop the killings’, ‘Killing is a sin’, ‘Human life is sacred’, and ‘No more bloodshed in Nigeria among others.

Speaking with journalists, Bishop Odetoyinbo said that the peaceful protest is to make case and call on government to respond to saving of lives, stop the killings and to bring peace in Nigeria.

“We are here because of the killing in Nigeria and most importantly the priest and 15 parishioners in Benue state. The whole catholic of Nigeria with Pope Francis we are commiserating with Benue, the diocese of Makurdi as they are celebrating now too, even Ijebu ode is doing what we are doing now.

“We are only making case and calling of the government to respond to saving of lives, to stop the killings and to bring peace in Nigeria. We may not know the reason behind the killing, but i and the church believe that some people know why and how the killing is going on, those are the people we are calling on upon, especially our president and all the executive arms of the government to help stop the killing. Even our holy father has called on the international body to help Nigeria in this killing.” He stressed.

Similarly, Bishop Oyeleke Abegunrin said that the essence of the protest was to registered their displeasure over shedding of blood in different part of Nigeria which has made Nigeria a killing field, and also, to call on the leadership of the country to act urgently on the situation so that security can be beef up all over the country

The Clergyman, posited that since the President who appointed the head of the nation security agencies has refused to call them to order, he automatically loses the trust of the citizen and he should no longer preside over the affairs of the country

“If the President cannot keep the our country save by taking a very drastic and urgent steps to reverse this ugly tragedy that threatens the foundation of our collective existence and unity as a nation, it is time for him to choose the part of honor and consider stepping aside to save the nation from total collapse”

“Your Excellency, join us in prayer for the happy of the soul of our dear ones and consolation for the member of the families the left behind, on our own part, we shall continue to pray for forgiveness, justice, peace and progress of Nigeria”