Cleric accuses the West of abandoning Nigeria in war against Boko Haram

oge okonkwo

January 12, 2015 3:56 PM

Archbishop Kaigama said the world had to show the same spirit and resolve it showed France, after the Charlie Hebdo attacks

Following the recent weekend suicide bombings in Nigeria, the Archbishop of Jos, Ignatius Kaigama has accused the international community of being nonchalant to Nigeria's insecurity problems.

Speaking to BBC Africa on the Newsday programme, Archbishop Kaigama said the world had to show the same spirit and resolve it showed France, after the Charlie Hebdo attacks, adding that the slaughter in Baga had shown that the Nigerian military was unable to tackle Boko Haram.

He said: "It is a monumental tragedy. It has saddened all of Nigeria. But... we seem to be helpless. Because if we could stop Boko Haram, we would have done it right away. But they continue to attack, and kill and capture territories... with such impunity."

Archbishop Kaigama said facing down Boko Haram required international support and unity of the type that had been shown after last week's militant attacks in France.

"We need that spirit to be spread around," he said. "Not just when it [an attack] happens in Europe, but when it happens in Nigeria, in Niger, in Cameroon.

"We [must] mobilise our international resources and face or confront the people who bring such sadness to many families."

oge okonkwo