The leadership of the General Assembly of the Catholic Diocese of Jalingo, Taraba State, has expressed concern over the growing insecurity in all parts of the state.
A communiqué made available to journalists shortly after the 21st General Assembly, held on Friday at St. Charles Borromeo Pastoral Centre, Shavou, in Jalingo, expressed sadness at the high rate of kidnapping and armed banditry in the nooks and crannies of the state.
Jointly signed by the Bishop of Jalingo Diocese, Most Rev. Charles M. Hammawa, and the Chancellor of the Catholic Diocese, Jalingo Diocese, Very Rev. Fr. Eugene Batare, the Assembly called on concerned authorities to, as a matter of urgency, take immediate action.
“We observed with pain that newer incidences of banditry, kidnapping, and land grabbing are on the rise,” they noted.
The leadership of the Catholic Assembly further identified ethnic and religious differences as exacerbating factors, with the situation leading to the loss of lives and properties.
The situation, according to the communique, has caused distress, psychological trauma, suspicion, anxiety, and, for some, even loss of faith or doubt in the power of God
The Assembly called on the state to collaborate with the Catholic Diocese of Jalingo in her multifaceted peacebuilding initiative for better results.
“We also invite our traditional rulers to see us as partners in this project of peace management for the common good of our society,” part of the communiqué reads.