OVER 1000 CATHOLIC FAITHFUL IN IMO STATE STAGE PRAYER PROTEST
Over One thousand Catholic faithful in Imo State have staged a prayer protest against the killing of two catholic priests and seventeen members of the laity by suspected herdsmen during an early morning Mass at a church in Benue State.
The faithful led by the Catholic Archbishop of Owerri Ecclesiastical Province, the Most Reverend Anthony Obinna matched along major streets of Owerri offering prayers for the repose of souls of those who lost their lives to insurgency and herdsmen attacks.
The protesters who were accompanied by security agents carried placards with inscriptions such as, “Stop the Violence” “Government Restrain the Herdsmen” “Government Disarm the Terrorist Herdsmen” and “Fellow Nigerians, Let us Forgive one Another”.
In an interview, the Catholic Archbishop of Owerri, the Most Reverend Anthony Obinna urged the Federal Government to take urgent steps towards protecting the lives of unarmed Nigerians.
He noted that Nigerians would live in peace if leaders shunned sentiments and focus on those things that promote unity among the people.
Archbishop Obinna commended President Muhammadu Buhari for his efforts at tackling insecurity and urged him to ensure inclusiveness in running the affairs of the nation.
The protest which was slated nationwide by the Catholic Church two weeks ago was shelved in Imo State due to security concerns expressed by law enforcement agencies in the State.
CHINAZO ILECHUKWU