Murdered Edo Catholic priest laid to rest

A Catholic priest, Rev. Fr. Christopher Odia, who was killed by suspected kidnappers two weeks ago, was buried on Friday, July 8, 2022.

The funeral mass and interment was held for the late clergy at the Priests’ Cemetery, Immaculate Conception Seminary, Ivianokpodi-Agenebode in the Etsako East LGA, Edo State.

Those who attended the event include the National President of the Nigeria Catholic Diocesan Priest Association, Very Rev. Fr. Johnbosco Ezehi, who urged President Muhammadu Buhari to make urgent decisions that would guarantee the safety and security of the people.

In addition, he condemned the present administration for not fulfilling its duty to protect the lives and properties of the citizens. He advised that Buhari should step down or proffer a solution to the increasing rate of insecurity in the country.

Ezehi said, “We condemn the increasing attacks by suspected herdsmen who have turned the country into a massive graveyard. If the President cannot keep our country safe, then he automatically loses the trust of the citizens.

“He should no longer continue to preside over the killing field and mass graveyard that our country has become.

“Nigerians call on the President to take drastic and urgent steps to reverse the ugly tragedy that threatens the foundation of our collective existence and unity as a nation. It’s clear to the nation that the president has failed in his primary duty of protecting the lives of Nigerians.”

On his part, the Catholic Bishop of Auchi Diocese, Most. Rev. Dr. Gabriel Dunia asked the government to be more responsible to the citizens.

Dunia said, “I appeal to the federal, state and local governments, as the Lord has entrusted the leadership and security of Nigeria into their hands, to do the needful by protecting the lives and property of the people, which is their primary responsibility.”

Similarly, the acting Governor of the State, Comrade Philip Shaibu, said the people should turn to God to help heal our troubled land.

Shaibu said, “I must agree with our cleric that the government has failed in its responsibilities of securing lives and properties. If the issue of security was tackled earlier enough, we would not get to where we are today. We must turn to God to help us now as our land is troubled and only God will heal our land.”