By Terna Chikpa, Jalingo
The Catholic Bishop of Wukari Diocese, Most Rev. Dr Mark Maigida Nzukwein, on Friday lamented the silence of the media over the renewed wave of killings in the southern part of Taraba State.
The Bishop said over 70 people had so far been killed in Ussa LGA and the Chanchanji ward of Takum LGA, while more than 1,000 houses were destroyed and over 10,000 families displaced in the last few weeks.
He made the assertion during his homily at a Thanksgiving Mass held in honour of the newly inaugurated leadership of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Taraba State, the 50th birthday anniversary of the CAN chairman, Rev. Fr. Dr. Williams Awoshiri, and the launch of a book written by the chairman.
The Bishop also decried the state of infrastructural decay and gross underdevelopment in Taraba, calling on the political class to step up to their constitutional responsibilities in addressing the alarming situation. He further warned against what he described as rising hostility targeted at the Christian identity in the state.
“The rising hostility targeted at Christian identity must stop. The renewed wave of killings in the southern part of Taraba, particularly in Ussa and Chanchanji ward of Takum, must not continue in the interest of peace and development.
Just within the last few weeks, over 70 people have been killed, yet the media has remained silent.
The government’s inaction in this situation is most worrisome. The government and the political class must step up in their responsibilities to urgently address the crisis.
I urge CAN to boldly speak the truth on issues of violent attacks and the unjust plight of Christians in Taraba and across Nigeria. This must not continue. We must uphold and prioritize the peace, unity, and development of our citizens and their faith,” he said.
The Bishop described the continued decay of infrastructure in Taraba State as most unfortunate, alleging that the long-standing humanitarian crisis in the state had been neglected by the government.
“Look at the ‘Nnamnai Bridge.’ It is scandalous that government can spend billions on political activities yet leave citizens to suffer and die on unsafe roads. Our problem is not only the armed terrorists; those in the corridors of power have failed to protect the people,” he added.
The Bishop called on the Taraba CAN leadership to embrace humility, accountability, and unity in their service to God and society, reminding them that their position is a divine trust for which they will be held accountable, either in life or in death.
In his remarks, Rev. Jolly Nyame, former governor of Taraba State, commended Fr. Awoshiri for the leadership qualities he has demonstrated so far as CAN chairman and urged him to sustain the spirit in order to build leadership trust among religious leaders.
Meanwhile, Chief Gebon Timothy Kataps, Secretary to the State Government (SSG), pledged the government’s support for CAN and all religious groups in their efforts to achieve lasting peace in Taraba.
In his vote of thanks, the CAN chairman, Rev. Fr. Dr. Williams Awoshiri, promised to prioritise unity among Christians and build stronger relationships with other faiths to foster peace in the state.
He commended the YOWICAN Chairman, Mr. Job Julius, describing him as a disciplined and tenacious youth leader who integrates faith, intellect, and human development. He also appreciated the entire CAN membership for their cooperation so far and appealed for its sustainability.
