Catholic Diocese Calls on Federal, Kebbi Govts to Restore Security in Shanga

Catholic Diocese Calls on Federal, Kebbi Govts to Restore Security in Shanga

By Abdullahi Tukur Birnin Kebbi

The Most Reverend Bulus Yohanna of the Catholic Diocese of Kontagora has called on the federal and Kebbi State governments to take urgent and decisive measures to restore security, protect lives and ensure the displaced people return to their homes safely.

He made the call at a press briefing held at the Saint Dominic Catholic Church in Yelwa Yauri in the Yauri local government area of Kebbi State, in relation to the recent attack in the Shanga local government area of Kebbi State.

Most Reverend Bulus said the displaced persons are in urgent need of food, clean water, medical care, and adequate shelter; they reached about five hundred people, including men, women, and children.

Most Rev. Yohanna, who was represented by the Diocesan Director of Social Communications, Rev. Father Mathew Kabirat, also called for long-time solutions which include improved security personnel in the area, rehabilitation of the affected communities, and sustainable support for the welfare of the displaced individuals.

According to him, the Catholic Diocese of Kontagora assisted the victims with shelter in which currently 491 internally displaced individuals are being taken care of at Saint Dominic Church in Yauri.

He added that the recent attack falls under their jurisdiction, and the victims are Christians, Muslims, and adherents of traditional religions; that is why we speak out in the interest of justice and humanity.

According to him, the attackers, who are suspected to be terrorists, attacked Debe Village in the Shanga local government area of Kebbi State on Easter Sunday, resulting in the deaths of 24 people, many injuries, and the destruction of properties worth millions of naira as they set ablaze a church, mosque, shops, and houses.

The cleric further explained that the violence extended to neighbouring communities in Birniwa, where the market and the emir’s residence were burnt, and in Kalkami, there was a spread of destruction.

He commended the efforts of the Yauri local government council and the Kebbi state government for donating foodstuffs, cash, and other needed items and urged other individuals, non-governmental organisations, and the international community to contribute urgently to address the humanitarian crises.