Benue Killings: Catholic Church Plans Massive Protests Across Nigeria

The Catholic faithful in Nigeria are planning massive protests across the country in solidarity with the people of Benue State over the killings in the state by Fulani herdsmen.

A message from the Archbishop of Lagos, Alfred Adewale Martins, delivered in many Catholic churches in Lagos noted that the “atrocious terrorist attack at St Ignatius Catholic Church, Ukpor-Mbalom, Benue State that witnessed the brutal killings of two Catholic Priests and a number of Parishioners on 24th April, 2018 is one of the ugly incidents that calls our attention to the spate of insecurity in the country and the failure on the part of the government to ensure the security of lives and properties of its citizens.

“In light of this unfortunate incident, the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria has directed that all dioceses should organise a peaceful demonstration on the date of their burial in solidarity with the victims of these brutal killings and celebrate Requiem Masses for the repose of their souls.

“In the Archdiocese of Lagos, this Demonstration of Solidarity will be organised by the JDPC of the Archdiocese. We shall have Requiem Mass on Tuesday, 22nd May, 2018 at St. Leo Catholic Church, Ikeja by 10 am. After the mass, we shall have peaceful procession from the church to the Governor’s office at Alausa, Ikeja. The Archbishop will celebrate the Mass and lead the procession. We urge all Catholic faithful to come out en masse in their parish and society uniforms or white tops. All Priests are hereby directed to sensitise and mobilise their parishioners to come out and be part of this important event.”