Most Rev. Matthew Man-Oso Ndagoso, Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Kaduna, has decried the country’s persistent banditry, insurgency, kidnapping for ransom, herders/farmers confrontations, and multi-dimensional poverty.
On Wednesday, during the 2023 Archdiocesan Pastoral General Assembly in Kaduna, Archbishop Ndagoso emphasised the need for Nigerians to maintain their vigilance and cooperate with all security personnel.
He said that, “regrettably, our country is still leading the world with the largest concentration of the poorest of the poor, namely, people living below the poverty line.
“It is our sincere hope and prayer that the in-coming administration will give more attention to the nagging issue of insecurity ahead of the farming season which is already here to enable farmers access their farm lands.”
He added that the situation had been compounded by informants within the communities, believing that the incoming administrations at all levels would give attention to tackle the hydra-headed monster head-on for the citizens to once again live normal lives.
He also expressed disappointment with the outcome of the elections, urging Nigerians to continue to dream big about the country and never lose hope.
Bishop Ndagoso expressed condolences to all the communities and families affected by the continued clashes between farmers and pastoralists, attacks by bandits and kidnappers, while thanking the faithful of the Archdiocese for the continued support to the communities affected by the crises.
He explained that there were still some IDPs in need of help, especially those sheltering with family members and friends in parts of Dogon, Kurmi, Kachia, and Rimau, among others, appealing to parishes and Nigerians to assist with materials such as food items, clothes, money, among others.
He encouraged priests and other pastoral agents to continue building bridges across ethnic, religious, political and social divides in their efforts in fostering both ecumenical and inter-religious dialogue and intercultural relations for the peaceful coexistence of humanity.