07/06/2022 Nigeria (International Christian Concern) – More than 700 priests gathered last week to protest violence against Christians in Nigeria. The group gathered for the funeral of another priest, Father Vitus Borogo, who was killed in Kaduna State on June 25.
The focus of the priests was to call out the Nigerian national government for its lack of response to the persecution faced by Nigerian Christians and its failure to protect the community from near constant shootings and kidnappings. The Archbishop of Kaduna noted how difficult this year has been, adding that the situation in Nigeria is worse than it has ever been. Father Borogo was the third priest under his care to be buried in 2022.
The demonstrators held up signs stating, “We are priests, not terrorists” and “Do we still have a government?
Father Borogo’s death comes shortly after nearly fifty church members were murdered in Ondo State on June 5 and after Father Christopher Itopa Onotu was abducted from Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church. the day before June 4. Fortunately, Father Onotu was released. on June 30, as confirmed by the Diocese of Lokoja.
A heavily Muslim and poorer northern Nigeria is contrasted with the much wealthier and heavily Christian southern Nigeria. These tensions have simmered for years, resulting in constant violence on ethnic, economic and religious fault lines.
Radical Fulani militants and other bandits often kidnap innocent victims for ransom. These groups, together with Boko Haram, are the main perpetrators of these horrific acts.
Please pray that the government of Nigeria will hear the cry of the persecuted church in Nigeria and have the courage to prosecute those who commit these crimes.
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