Amid Persecution of Christians in Nigeria, Let’s Pray for “conversion of those committed to evil”: Apostolic Nuncio

“Don’t lose hope. Remember Good Friday but also remember Easter Sunday. Nigeria, too, will rise. Healing will come,” Irish-born diplomat said.

He encouraged Christians to draw strength from Christ’s sacrifice on the cross, saying, “Jesus gave His life to reconcile all humanity with God. Never give up. After Good Friday, Easter always comes.”

Archbishop Crotty went on to call upon the people of God to support their Priests with prayers. He said, “As Priests, we pray for you—but we also ask that you pray for us. Your prayers sustain us. Pope Francis always says, ‘Pray for me,’ and I echo that here in Nigeria.”

“As we approach Easter, draw near to Christ. Unite your sufferings with His. Renew your faith. And together, we will rejoice in the glory of the Resurrection,” the Apostolic Nuncio in Nigeria said during the April 15 interview with ACI Africa.

Meanwhile, the Catholic Bishop of Nigeria’s Catholic Diocese of Yola has expressed concern over an upsurge in violence and a seeming resurgence of Boko Haram activities across the country.

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In an interview with ACI Africa on the sidelines of Chrism Mass in his Episcopal See on April 15,  Bishop Stephen Dami Mamza called upon President  Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led government and security agencies to act without delay to stop further loss of lives.

“The protection of lives and property is a primary duty of government. When that duty is not fulfilled, it brings untold suffering to the people,” Bishop Mamza said.

He queried, “Why do killings persist despite the government’s claims? If billions are being spent on security every year, why do we still see these daily tragedies? It shows a lack of seriousness.”

“The people behind these crimes walk free. There are no arrests, no prosecution, only more victims. This shows that something is very wrong,” the Nigerian Catholic Bishop lamented.

In his considered view, “People are tired. They do not want promises. They want peace. They want to go about their daily lives without fear. The government must do more, and it must do it now.”

The 55-year-old Local Ordinary of Yola since his Episcopal Consecration in April 2011 emphasized that no amount of spiritual comfort can substitute the much needed action from government authorities when it comes to protecting human lives.

“As people of faith, we pray. But we also expect our leaders to act. Prayer does not take the place of duty. Leadership means responsibility; it means taking action when people are dying,” he said.

Bishop Mamza urged all elected officials and heads of security agencies to rise above excuses and face the growing threat with honesty and resolve. 

“Every day that passes without action is another day of pain for families who lose their loved ones. This is not acceptable. It must stop. The security situation demands urgency. It demands leadership that works. Nigerians have waited long enough. Let this be the time we finally see change,” Bishop Mamza emphasized during the April 15 interview with ACI Africa.

Abah Anthony John is a Nigerian Journalist with great enthusiasm and interest for Catholic Church Communication and Media Apostolate. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Mass Communication from Benue State University, Makurdi, Benue State Nigeria. He has vast experience in Print,  Electronic and Multi-Media Production.