The Catholic Dioceses of Ikot Ekpene in Akwa Ibom State has joined other Catholic faithful in the nationwide protest of the killings of Christians by the herdsmen marauding some parts of the country in recent times.
The latest is the Catholic Diocese of Ikot Ekpene in Akwa Ibom, which will lead faithful and other religious organisations to take part in the planned nationwide protest ordered by the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) tomorrow.
A statement issued by the Vicar-General, Administration, Catholic Diocese of Ikot Ekpene, Very Rev. Fr. J. Umoh, a copy obtained by our correspondent indicates that priests and Catholic faithful from the diocese will march from St. Anne’s Cathedral, Ifuho to Ikot Ekpene Local Government Council secretariat for a rally.
The solemn event will also feature celebration of the holy mass, prayer, procession and rally for peace against incessant killings in some sections of Nigeria, especially, the Middle Belt and North-East.
The protest seeks to register the dissatisfaction of the Church with what it described as ‘’the prevalent unlawful, unpatriotic, inhuman and unacceptable situations in the country.’’
It also seeks to awaken government to take necessary and effective actions to put an end to wanton killings in Nigeria, describing the killings of innocent persons as an unacceptable situation.
Umoh, in the statement noted that Catholic faithful would pray for peace and respect for human life and rights in the country by the government.
Furthermore, the event is part of the strategies to draw the attention of the international community to the difficulties Christians are facing in Nigeria and solicit the necessary solidarity and assistance.
However, the church expressed its readiness to collaborate with the government to put an end to the killings.
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In order to ensure a hitch-free protest, the statement stated that Catholic faithful have been advised to keep to instructions from relevant authorities, adding that no unapproved placards, posters, messages and speeches will be allowed.
On dress code, the statement indicated that priests are to appear in their appropriate robes, while others would wear their uniforms according to their congregations.
Also, lay persons are to wear their parish uniforms, while members of pious societies are also expected to appear in their uniforms.
Other Catholic faithful are expected to dress properly for the event.
Similarly, the Church invites the entire Christian community in the Catholic Diocese of Ikot Ekpene to join its faithful in the protest as the event will start by 9 a.m.
It would be recalled that the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria had directed that every diocese in Nigeria should organise a peaceful demonstration against the barbaric and unacceptable killings in Nigeria.
Last month, two priests and parishioners of St. Ignatius’ Catholic Church, Ukpor-Mbalom Parish, Gwer East Local Government Area of Benue were killed by suspected Fulani herdsmen in church, and since then the massacre has sparked off nationwide condemnation in Christian communities in Nigeria and beyond with the latest in Akwa Ibom.
