The General Assembly of the Catholic Diocese of Jalingo in Taraba State has voiced deep concerns regarding the escalating insecurity across the state.
Following the 21st General Assembly convened at St. Charles Borromeo Pastoral Centre, Shavou, in Jalingo, a communiqué was issued expressing dismay at the surge in incidents of kidnapping and armed banditry throughout Taraba.
Signed jointly by Most Rev. Charles M. Hammawa, the Bishop of Jalingo Diocese, and Very Rev. Fr. Eugene Batare, the Chancellor of the Catholic Diocese, the Assembly urgently called upon relevant authorities to address the situation promptly.
The communiqué highlighted the distressing increase in banditry, kidnapping, and land disputes, attributing these challenges to ethnic and religious disparities, resulting in loss of lives and properties.
The pervasive impact of these events has inflicted psychological trauma, suspicion, anxiety, and even shaken the faith of some individuals in the divine providence.
In response, the Catholic Assembly urged the state to collaborate closely with the Catholic Diocese of Jalingo in their comprehensive peacebuilding efforts to foster a more secure environment.
Furthermore, the Assembly extended an invitation to traditional rulers to engage in a partnership aimed at promoting peace and enhancing the well-being of the community, emphasizing the collective pursuit of societal harmony.
