Ado Ekiti, Nigeria, Dec 9, 2022 / 12:05 pm (CNA).
Six months after the Pentecost Sunday attack on St. Francis Xavier Owo Catholic Parish in Ondo Diocese, which left 39 Catholic worshipers killed and more than 80 injured, there have been arrests and promises but no prosecution, Bishop Felix Femi Ajakaye has lamented.
“Dec. 5, 2022, is the sixth month of the evil attack, the dead have been buried and their people and other well-wishers are still in sorrowful moods,” the leader of Ondo’s neighboring Ekiti Diocese said in a Dec. 5 statement.
“Nigeria is still waiting.”
On Aug. 11, Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff General Lucky Irabor told journalists that four suspects allegedly involved in the June 5 attack had been arrested. He identified the suspects as Idris Omeiza (a.k.a Bin Malik), Momoh Abubakar, Aliyu Itopa, and Auwal Onimisi.
“More than ever, the people who have been in custody since they were arrested need to be prosecuted now,” Femi emphasized.
“General Irabor, Nigeria is still waiting,” he said, adding that the Nigerian security official should issue an update on the investigation and the status of the prosecution.
There were “outcries, condemnations, and there were promises” made nationally and internationally, the bishop noted.
“As usual, the Buhari-led government commiserated with the people concerned. Typical of the administration’s trademark, it vowed to be on top of the situation and fish out the culprits,” Femi said. Yet authorities have said little since announcing the arrests months ago.
Referring to the Gospel of St. Matthew, the bishop said: “A voice is heard in Ramah, lamenting and weeping bitterly: It is Rachel weeping for her children, refusing to be comforted because they are no more.”
If you value the news and views Catholic World Report provides, please consider donating to support our efforts. Your contribution will help us continue to make CWR available to all readers worldwide for free, without a subscription. Thank you for your generosity!
Click here for more information on donating to CWR. Click here to sign up for our newsletter.
Justice is a one way street in the annals of islamic decrees. Muslims are vocal about being treated well, yet no quid pro quo is offered in return. To expect kindness and fair play from from a bellicose religion bent on hostility and conquest is unrealistic at best.
To find peace with God, we must to turn our hearts to Jesus Christ (the Prince of Peace).
John 14:27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.
Isaiah 26:3 You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.
Isaiah 9:6 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
2 Thessalonians 3:16 Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times in every way. The Lord be with you all.
Colossians 3:15 And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful.
Philippians 4:7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Sorry to say the devout Muslim dreads the day of judgement. Allah gives him no tangible hope, only vague maybes! The Koran is not a book of peace, rather it is a manual of war and strife.
A Muslim is cordially invited to explore what is the comfort and assurance of salvation that Jesus Christ offers to all believers in Him. Even a cursory examination of the Koran fails to encourage because it is not divinely inspired by God.
These remarks may appear to be harsh, yet who will take up the challenge to find God’s mercy and love? A mans eternal soul is of great worth. God’s message is one of life.and love.
In the peace that is Jesus Christ.
Wasn’t Nigeria just removed from the “dangerous for Christians/believers” list?