Catholic Clerics laments rising state of insecurity in Taraba

From Godwin Agia, Jalingo

The Taraba State Catholic priests of Jalingo diocese, has on Tuesday lamented the rising state of insecurity in the State, called on government at all levels, to stand up for their primary responsibility of safeguarding the lives and properties of Tarabans.

This contained in a communique jointly signed and issued by Bishop, Most Rev. Charles Hammawa and Very Rev. Fr. Eugene Batare Chancellor Catholic Diocese of Jalingo at their 21st general assembly, said the escalating insecurity was geared by ethnic and religious differences and the urgent need to address it.

According to the communique, the church called on the State to collaborate with the Catholic Diocese of Jalingo in her multifaceted peacebuilding
initiatives for better results.

“Taraba State has for some years now, been experiencing insecurity of all sorts, and our part of the State is not
an exception. We observe with pain, that newer incidences of banditry, kidnapping, and land grabbing are on
the rise. Factors such as ethnic and religious differences have exacerbated the situation.

“These cases have led to loss of lives and properties, and have caused distress, psychological trauma, suspicion, anxiety, and for some,
even loss of faith or doubt in the power of God. Consequently, we notice a decline in spiritual and religious
activities.

“Indeed, crises and even overt wars of whatever form, shape, and magnitude are inevitable in a community, but that they must happen does not however mean that we stop doing what needs to be done to curtail them. Thus, our mission as a Church, especially in this distress situation, becomes even more relevant.

“We call on the State to collaborate with the Catholic Diocese of Jalingo in her multifaceted peace-building initiatives for better results. We also invite our Traditional Rulers to see us as partners in this project of peace management for the common good of our society. We urge that peace-building be seen as an obligation not only institutions and the Government, but also of individuals; everybody has something to offer to bring about a peaceful society.

“We exhort that all those affected should look up to the iconic examples of Job and Paul in the Scriptures (cf. Job 1:22; 11 Cor. 11:24-27) to keep faith alive despite the challenges, for faith in God is vital to resilience, We urge that institutions and individuals show the needed love and concern to victims of the menace of insecurity by being present to them, empathizing with them, and assisting their situations.

“These acts nurture the sense of
community, give reason to live on, and sustain positive hope for the future. Most importantly, stakeholders,
community leaders, and even individuals should initiate within the community, proactive measures to forestall
this sweeping wave of insecurity,” its added.