By Scholastica Joseph, Makurdi
As condemnation continues to trail the killing of worshippers in Ondo state, Director of Communications, Catholic Diocese of Makurdi, Benue state, Rev. Fr. Moses Iorapuu, has called for water tight security around churches and other worship places across the country.
The Vicar General Pastoral and Director of Communications, Catholic Diocese of Makurdi, said the killings, again, bring to fore, the volatility of the situation in the country.
While stating that it was the responsibility of any government to provide security for lives and property, the Holy Ghost Parish Priest said a situation where “the sacred chambers, the hallowed chambers, the holy sanctuary of God’s house is violated in such a flagrant manner, where unidentified gunmen will enter a house of worship, in a church, during Mass and massacre hundreds of people” was not acceptable.
“It tells us that if God does not intervene and if we do not wake up, we will be heading towards a principe that there would be no return.”
He feared that “if people are pushed this far, the reaction will be uncontrollable and we pray that our people are able to be guide by the love of Christ, the love of neighbour, we pray for our enemies, those who hurt us and even those who kill us.
Describing the killing as one, too many, Fr. Iorapuu called for water tight security around worship centers across the country saying, “this is the most clarion call for us to wake up now and ensure that security around parish houses, worship houses is secured and water tight.
He lamented that while the country was still grappling with insecurity around schools, kidnappings and massacres which were carried out in homes, on the farms and in the market place have moved to the church.
“If this is happening in far away Ondo state, that means we are encircled by our own enemies and the devil is right at our door.
He noted that with this happening on the day of Pentecost, when all christians mark the birth of christianity, “this is an affront against the church and the people of God.”
He insisted that the government should act and act quickly and bring the atrocities to an end to instill confidence in the people.
