‘Our diocese is under siege’ – bishop warns of explosion of violence

A BISHOP urged the country’s government to crack down on violence from armed gangs to stop his diocese is sliding into complete chaos. 

Bishop Mark Nzukwein of Wukari Diocese, Taraba, told Catholic charity Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) that the Middle Belt faces a severe security crisis caused by armed Fulani militants.

He said: “In recent weeks, more than seven presbyteries and priests’ residences have been attacked and vandalised, a figure that far exceeds the two attacks previously recorded, highlighting a worrying escalation of violence. 

“There have been no injuries, as the presbyteries and surrounding areas had been evacuated beforehand due to the threats they had received.” 

According to the bishop, the attacks appeared to be triggered by peaceful demonstrations on 12th February attended by priests, religious and lay faithful of the diocese, following the murder of 80 Christians and attacks on more than 200 communities in previous weeks.

He said: “The demonstration was a sign of solidarity and a protest against the lack of security. Our diocese is besieged by violence from ethnic Fulani militias attacking the population, creating a major tragedy across Taraba.”

He added: “A priest placed a cross in one of the abandoned presbyteries as a symbol of our suffering. But that presbytery was also vandalised, and they even tried to burn the cross.”

Bishop Nzukwein said the situation in the diocese was creating fear and anxiety among the local populace. 

“Local security forces are doing what they can, but the number of bandits is enormous. We know they are regrouping, so we have warned the population of further attacks. The military are overwhelmed. The Fulani armed assailants are far more numerous.” 

Denouncing the lack of justice, the bishop said: “We do not know who they are, where they come from, or who sponsors them, but the federal government must act. There are no arrests, no accountability. The impunity is discouraging.”

According to Bishop Nzukwein people are gripped by constant debilitating fear: “They [the terrorists] are playing with people’s lives. You are not safe anywhere. You don’t know what will happen the next moment. The only thing that can protect you is prayer. It is a great tragedy that we do not feel safe in our own country.”

He said the violence has led to an “exodus” from the diocese with more than 90,000 people displaced and dangerous consequences for young people.

He added: “My people are experiencing an exodus. I see them constantly on the move with their belongings from one place to another.

“They do not want to go to the camps because they are forgotten there, like parked and abandoned. With the rainy season approaching, conditions will become even worse. 

“They also fear being attacked in the camps because they present an easier and larger target. Many prefer to stay with relatives.

“The future of young people is being destroyed, and this fuels a vicious cycle, because thousands of young people without education can easily be recruited into criminal activities. But who cares about these lives? Who will care if they die?” 

Despite the suffering, Bishop Nzukwein said he found hope in the faith of his people: “When I see them praying, when I celebrate Mass with them, I am filled with hope. But we are carrying a very heavy burden. 

“Our people are suffering a calvary… With God’s help we continue carrying our cross. We are part of the martyrdom of the 21st century. We are ready to take up the cross if that is what God wants.”

He added: “Holy Week for us is not a historical event, it is life itself; it is incarnated in my people. 

“We are being tested, and it is a privilege. We see the world becoming fragmented, and one of those places is my diocese.”

With thanks to Maria Lozano