Catholic Church protests against herdsmen attack

ayodele johnson

July 3, 2016 5:16 PM

Members of some catholic churches in Enugu took to the street to make their dissatisfaction known in respect to the violent attack against them by the cattle herders.

Catholic church protest in Enugu (This picture is for illustrative purposes).

A total of three catholic dioceses in Enugu State, organised a rally on Saturday, July 2, 2016, to protest against the frequent attacks by Fulani herdsmen.

The rally, which was a peaceful one, saw attendance from catholic priests and worshippers, who turned up in hundreds.

Punch reported that there was a plan to march to the government house, with the aim of serving a petition to Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi.

The plan was however suspended after reports that a miscreant group intends to disrupt the peaceful protest.

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Ugwuanyi, who later visited the diocese told the church of his administration dedication to protecting lives and properties in the state.

The governor said, “On the issues you have raised in this rally, I wish to state that I address you today not only as a Catholic but as your governor and the Chief Security Officer of Enugu State.”

“While taking my oath of office, I swore to do everything within my powers to preserve the security of lives and property of the people of Enugu State.”

“You can therefore be assured that I will not fail in this responsibility and be further assured that whatever message you convey through me to the appropriate authorities at Abuja, will be promptly delivered.”

Rt. Rev. Callistus Onaga, the Catholic Bishop of Enugu Diocese, used the opportunity to state the church’s resentment for the grazing bill proposed by the government.

According to Onaga, the bill worsen the security challenges in the country, as Islamic sect, Boko Haram, will be given the platform to infiltrate every part of the country.

ayodele johnson