By Tgnews
The Catholic Bishop of Yola Diocese, Most Rev. Dr. Stephen Dami Mamza, has expressed deep concern over the resurgence of killings and the renewed activities of the Boko Haram insurgents across Nigeria. He issued a passionate appeal to President Bola Tinubu and the nation’s security chiefs to take urgent and decisive action to arrest the deteriorating security situation.
The Mass is traditionally celebrated on Holy Thursday morning, it was shifted to Tuesday for pastoral reasons
Speaking to journalists on the sidelines of the Chrism Mass held on Tuesday at St. Theresa’s Catholic Church in Yola, Bishop Mamza lamented what he described as a lack of seriousness and urgency by those in leadership regarding the protection of citizens’ lives and property. He stated that the government’s sluggish response and neglect of its core responsibility were inflicting untold hardship on Nigerians, particularly in the most affected regions.
Reflecting on the significance of the Chrism Mass, Bishop Mamza explained that while the Mass is traditionally celebrated on Holy Thursday morning, it was shifted to Tuesday for pastoral reasons. He described the Chrism Mass as a deeply spiritual event where all priests in the Catholic Diocese renew their vows and commitments before their bishop. “It is a solemn day that commemorates the institution of the holy priesthood. Priests from all parishes come together to reflect on their ordination and reaffirm their dedication to service,” he said.
The Bishop further elaborated on the symbolism of the blessed oils during the Mass. “We bless three sacred oils: the oil of the sick, which is used to anoint those who are ill; the oil of catechumens, used to prepare candidates for baptism; and the oil of chrism, used during baptisms, ordinations, and the dedication of churches and altars,” he noted.
It is a solemn day that commemorates the institution of the holy priesthood
Turning back to the rising insecurity in parts of the country, especially the spate of killings in Plateau State, Bishop Mamza did not mince words in criticizing both the government and security agencies for their inaction.
“Why are killings still happening when the government claims to have taken security measures? This clearly shows a lack of seriousness. Despite security being allocated the largest portion of the national budget, we see no meaningful results,” he said.
He pointed out the irony of heavy security spending without a corresponding improvement in safety, questioning why the perpetrators of violence have not been apprehended. The bishop also referenced recent comments made by the Governor of Borno State, who revealed that Boko Haram insurgents had regained control of three local government areas.
Why are killings still happening when the government claims to have taken security measures
“Why is nothing being done? Where is the federal government and the security forces? Nigerians are tired of excuses. We need action, not promises,” he concluded, calling on leaders at all levels to wake up from their slumber and take decisive steps to end the bloodshed and restore peace.
