Makurdi, Nigeria, May 7, 2018 / 16:00 pm
In the wake of an attack that left two priests and 17 worshippers dead, Nigerian clergy are condemning the passivity of government security forces and pleading for more aid in defense against the violent herdsmen responsible for the killings.
Bishop Wilfred Chikpa Anagbe of Makurdi said in a statement that the failure of the government to protect Christians against the attack "cast(s) a shade on the sensibilities of those who have vowed to protect the sovereignty of this country, this dignity of every human life irrespective of any political affiliation and the safety of lives and property."
The hallmarks of a good government are justice, development and peace, Anagbe continued, but the one who would do nothing "in the face of barbarism has lost a piece of his soul, hopefully not forever. Let the evil man turn from his evil ways and live."
On April 24, Fulani herdsmen attacked Saint Ignatius Church in Ayar-Mbalom, a town in Nigeria's Benue State, killing at least 19 people during morning Mass and burning nearby homes and farms .