Catholic bishops in Nigeria have told President Muhammadu Buhari their country is “under siege.”
In an address delivered directly to Mr Buhari at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on 8 February, the Archbishop of Jos, Ignatius Ayau Kaigama, president of the bishops’ conference, told Buhari: “Poverty, hunger, insecurity, violence, fear… the list is endless.”
He went on to describe a near civil war in the country as Fulani cattle herders, “many of whom are terrorists masquerading as herdsman”, he alleged, continue violent attacks on “innocent citizens” – the majority of whom are Christian.
“The silence of the federal Government in the wake of these horrifying attacks is, to say the least, shocking,” Archbishop Kaigama said.
In December 2017, dozens of Christians in Northern Nigeria were killed by Nigerian Government air attacks, Amnesty International has reported. Witnesses said air raids took place as villagers were also being attacked by the herdsmen. According to human rights groups, 86 people were killed, with many more seriously injured.
The bishop added that there had been violent attacks in several Nigerian states, including the state of Benue, where 80 people have been killed and 80,000 displaced, according to the BBC.
The Nigerian government has proposed the creation of “cattle colonies” in central Nigeria to provide grazing land for northern herdsmen, who have moved south because of the desertification of the soil in northern Nigeria. They have violently clashed with the farmers of the region, as cattle have overtaken some farmed fields.
However, the bishops told Buhari that there must be a better solution, one that does not clearly favour one group in the dispute. The bishops called for an alternative plan that would include assistance for the farmers who have been victims of the attacks by the herdsmen.
“We would like to add our voice to those of other well-meaning Nigerians who insist that a better alternative to open grazing should be sought rather than introducing “cattle colonies” in the country. While thinking of how best to help cattle owners establish ranches, government should equally have plans to help the other farmers whose produce is essential for our survival as a nation.”
They further advised the government to concentrate on these "grave" issues rather than focussing on re-election.
The bishops promise President Buhari their support but add that in their role "as the voice of the voiceless" they will continue to highlight the plight of their people and and play a role in "sensitising the government, thus promoting good governance, national unity and cohesion."
PICTURE: President Buhari pictured in 2016 ©PA
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