Unite against killers, Onaiyekan, Mark tell Nigerians

The Catholic Archbishop of Abuja Diocese, Cardinal John Onaiyekan, his Otukpo diocese counterpart, Michael Apochi and former Senate president, Senator David Mark, yesterday urged Nigerians to unite against criminality and fight for the liberation of citizens from the grip of Boko Haram, violent herdsmen, kidnappers and armed banditry in the land.

In his homily, Cardinal Onaiyekan sought God’s intervention in the killings by gunmen in Benue State while bemoaning the violent clashes in parts of the country.

“We must as a people of Nigeria unite against these forces of evil to liberate ourselves. These carnage and bloodletting orchestrated by hatred and wickedness cannot be a way of life. We must all join hands to stop this spate of killings.

“As Christians, we pray for peace, justice and love. We have no room for hatred or vengeance. Vengeance is for God. Let us do everything that promotes peace and harmonious relationship with our neighbours,” he said.

Onaiyekan reminded the federal government to include rebuilding of churches destroyed by insurgents as it prepares to rebuild the crisis- ridden North-eastern states.

Senator Mark expressed appreciation to God for His blessings upon him and members of his family. He added that the church building was his family’s modest contribution towards spread of the gospel.