The Arch Bishop of Lutheran Church of Christ in Nigeria, LCCN Most Reverend Musa Panti Pilibus has decried the brutal wave of killings in Benue State.
A statement signed by the Arch Bishop noted that armed men suspected to be cattle herdsmen launched deadly assaults on communities in Guma Local Government Area where over 100 lives were taken in Yelwata and Daudu, with some reports estimating as many as 200 deaths, including women, children, and security personnel.
It noted that families were burned alive, livelihoods destroyed, and countless individuals brutally murdered.
The Arch Bishop, on behalf of the Lutheran Church of Christ in Nigeria, extends heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families, the affected communities, and the people of Benue State and prays for God’s healing, comfort, and peace for all who are grieving the losses
Most Reverend Pilibus said the atrocities are not only an assault on the people of Benue State but an affront to national integrity and went further to condemn the killings among other forms of violence pointing out that such brutality continue with impunity is a betrayal of moral and constitutional responsibility.
He recalled that over a decade, communities have cried out for justice while perpetrators continue to spill innocent blood in different parts of the country and noted that the Nigerian government must move beyond rhetoric and ascertain deliberate, sustained, and apparent action to protect its citizens, adding that it is a sacred and constitutional duty that leaders have sworn to uphold.
It stressed that the Lutheran Church of Christ in Nigeria stands in solidarity with the Yelwata and Daudu communities and with all victims of violence across Nigeria and prayed for strength, courage, and the restoration of hope anchored in justice and peace.
The Church leader finally quoted the Bible book of Amos Chapter 5 verse 24, “But let justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never-failing stream”.
