*Asks president to classify kidnappers as kidnappers
By Myke Uzendu
Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Most Rev. (Dr.) Matthew Hassan Kukah, said it is about time President Muhammadu Buhari and the 36 state governors took a new oath of office, swearing not to protect Nigerians, in the face of growing insecurity.
He spoke on Wednesday during his homily at the burial of late Rev. Fr. Alphosus Yasshim Bello, at Our Lady of Apostles Catholic Church, Independence Way, Kaduna.
Fr. Bello and Rev Fr Joseph Keke were kidnapped, but sadly, Bello was killed by suspected bandits on 21st May, 2021 in Katsina.
Kukah said: “Is it possible that you have a country where people have sworn with Qur’an and Bible to uphold the principles of governance that they will do everything within their power to protect and defend the integrity of Nigerians and suddenly we are where we are today?
“I think the President and governors of Nigeria should address Nigerians and say, fellow Nigerians I have sworn that I will not protect you from foreign invaders, kidnappers and being killed.
“You are on your own. Your security is in your own hands. Keeping you safe is not our immediate priority. “Foreign bandits or anyone can come at will kill, loot, rape, kidnap and murder you. They can wipe out your communities, destroy your homes, your farmlands, property.
“They can kidnap or murder your children at will. They can rustle your cattle. If they kidnap your children, wives or husbands, we will consider you criminals for negotiating for their release”.
He wondered if Nigerian leaders had blood in their hearts, wondering if there was anywhere in the world where killings were so rampant.
“How did Nigeria come to this tragic situation? We know who they are, who they believe in and where their inspiration comes from. “The government has never declared the kidnappers to be a terrorist group.
“There is no ambiguity about those who are killing our people and why they are doing so and where their inspiration comes from. “We hear and live with stories of complicity at the highest level”.
