From Stanley Uzoaru, Owerri
Bishops of the Owerri Ecclesiastical Province have expressed concern over the spate of killings in the South East, warning that it must be stopped to avert the wrath of God.
The clerics, after a two-day retreat in Aba, Abia State, on Wednesday, condemned the killings by violent groups and ‘illegal security apparatus’ in the zone.
The communiqué jointly signed by Most Reverend Lucius Ugorji and Most Reverend Augustine Echema, Chairman and Secretary, respectively, noted that violence can never be a solution to the country’s social-political problems.
The communiqué titled “Averting the gathering Storm” partly reads: “Our society is in trouble. No one appears to be safe; not even those in power. Violent groups are on the rampage – bandits, kidnappers, assassins, trigger-happy security forces, illegal security entities and paramilitary groups. Innocent lives are being lost.
“There is great fear and anxiety in our states, along with socio-economic dislocations. We cannot continue on this path. Our society has bled so much. No doubt, we know that there are those who are driven to violence by understandable grievances. Yet, violence can never be a solution to our current socio-political problems. We cannot destroy ourselves in the name of saving ourselves.
We reiterate that the reason for the government is to protect the lives and property of the citizens.
“There have been repeated reports from many places of exaggerated use of force by government security agencies, and, at times, summary execution of alleged offenders. We, therefore, appeal to all those behind this cycle of violence.
“Offenders should be prosecuted in the courts, to ensure justice to all. We must, also, insist that there is no substitute to good governance for security at all levels. Therefore, the government should provide our young people an environment for positive human development and material well-being.”
The bishops condoled with the grieving families of security personnel who were killed in the line of duty and prayed to God to grant the dead eternal repose and consolation to the bereaved.
The clerics also decried the dwindling standard of education in the country.
“For months now academic activities in our public universities and other tertiary institutions have been grounded as a result of the strike actions embarked upon by the various unions (ASUU and others). It is a pity that the educational sector has become a theatre of neglect and indifference, symptomatic of the generalised decay and negligence which have affected all aspects of our national life. Countries normally invest in their young people and prioritise knowledge and human capacity development. But not so in Nigeria.
“There is no doubt that the current situation is adversely affecting the students, who waste away in idleness and are exposed to destructive social vices. This brings our attention to the regrettable events in Abia State Polytechnic, leading to its de-accreditation – an institution that, for long, has been the pride of the state. We call on all the stakeholders in the educational sector, in particular, the government and the various unions of tertiary institutions, to rise to the challenges of leadership,” the communiqué further stated.