July 03, (THEWILL) – The Archbishop of Abuja province, Most Rev. Ignatius Ayau Kaigama, has decried the killing of catholic priests and other Nigerian clerics across the country in recent times.
He also lamented the lack of motorable roads in Benue State and called on the Federal Government and the states to rise up to the challenge of reconstruction to aver mishap.
Archbishop Kaigama, while addressing the congregation after the installation of Most Rev. Isaac Bundepuun Dugu as the Bishop of Katsina-Ala Diocese in Benue State on Friday, also condemned the persecution and killing of innocent Christians, especially Catholic priests in the country.
Concerned that the Makurdi-Wukari Road is a death trap, he said, “I, therefore, urge you Governor Ortom to take proactive measures to ensure that the roads are constructed. The condition of the roads in the state are very bad. Even the road to this place (venue of the event) is also bad. As I was coming here, I observed how bad the road is. I urge you to construct these roads to make them motorable. The ones you cannot do, take them to the Federal Government. Even link them to my state, Taraba.”
Archbishop Kaigama who called for sustained prayers to end killing and abduction of Catholic priests, lamented the worsening insecurity in the country and called for an end to it.
He warned Christians in the diocese against divisive tendencies that would bring about crisis in the church and urged them to work in harmony with Bishop Dugu to the peace and development of the church.
Responding, Governor Samuel Ortom pledged support to the development of the church; saying the deplorable condition of federal roads, especially the Gboko-Katsina-Ala Road, which was in bad shape and promised to take the matter to the presidency for necessary action.
The governor commended the cordial working relationship that existed between his administration and the church and pledged sustenance and prayers for peace to reign in the state and country at large.
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