The National Executive of Nigeria Catholic Diocesan Priests Association has reiterated a call by the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria for President Muhammadu Buhari to step aside if his administration cannot protect Nigerians from the current security challenges and mindless killings going on in the country.
Speaking at the funeral mass of the late Catholic Priest, Reverend Father Christopher Odia-Ogedegbe who was abducted and killed at Ikabigbo in Etsako West Local Government Area of Edo State by kidnappers, the National President of the Association, Very Reverend Father JohnBosco Ezehi and Acting Governor of the State, Philip Shaibu lamented the spate of killings which have gone on unhindered.
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The Administrator of St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Ikabigbo, Uzairue of Etsako West Local Council Area; Reverend Father Christopher Odia-Ogedegbe was abducted from his rectory and killed on June 26th, 2022 as he prepared for Sunday Mass.
On July 8, 2022, Family members, friends and loved ones converged on Priests Cemetery at the Immaculate Conception Minor Seminary in Ivhianokpodi, Agenebode of Estako East Local Government Area of Edo State for a funeral mass and subsequent interment of his body.
Worried by the incessant kidnappings and killings going on in the country, the Nigeria Catholic Diocesan Priests Association led by its National Chairman, Very Reverend Father JohnBosco Ezehi echoed an earlier call by the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria for President Muhammadu Buhari to step aside if his administration is having difficulties dealing with the security challenges facing the country.
Acting Governor of Edo State, Philip Shaibu agrees with the stance of the Priests and called for urgent steps to be taken to safeguard the citizenry.
The Bishop of Auchi Diocese, Most Reverend Gabriel Dunia pleads with the Government of the day to tackle the menace of insecurity headlong.
A Brother to the deceased, Robert Odia-Ogedegbe acknowledges the irreplaceable loss of his sibling and lends his voice to the call for adequate protection of lives and properties.
The mourners say the constant murder of citizens is an impediment to the development of any nation and must be checked with all sincerity of heart and purpose.
(Editor: Nkoli Omhoudu)
