The Catholic Communicators, under the auspices of SIGNIS Nigeria, have decried attacks on Christian worshippers in the country, urging federal lawmakers to enact laws that would allow Nigerians to bear arms for self-defence against marauding bandits. 

The call came following the incessant killings of Christian worshippers, particularly the kidnapping for ransom and killings of Catholic priests by armed terrorists.  

In a statement on Monday, the Association said it is time for Nigerians irrespective of their religious inclination to be more security conscious.

“The increased attacks on Catholic Churches in recent times which have led to the loss of several lives, including that of priests could spiral into an orgy of violence that may have grave consequences on the peace and unity of the country.

“SIGNIS Nigeria challenged the legislative arm of government across all levels to explore the possibility of enacting a law that would enable Nigerians to own arms to defend themselves and their families against arbitrary attacks by gunmen as is now being championed by the Zamfara State government,” it read. 

The association specifically lamented the seeming silence of President Muhammadu Buhari in the face of violent attacks on Christian communities. 

“This seeming silence does not in any way reassure Nigerians that the government is on top of the situation,” the group said in a statement jointly signed by the Association’s President, Patrick Alumuku, and the General Secretary, Tony Agbugba.

They wondered why the bandits have suddenly picked interest in harassing and killing harmless clerics and innocent Christian worshippers who pose no danger to society.   

The association, however, advised religious worshippers to put in place stringent security measures that would help secure clerics, who are now victims of violent attacks. 

Two priests in Kaduna and Edo were killed over the weekend by bandits. Vitus Borogo, a priest serving in the Archdiocese of Kaduna was killed on June 25 at a farm in Kujama, on Kaduna-Kachia road, after a raid by suspected bandits.

A day after, on June 26, Christopher Odia was kidnapped from his rectory at St. Michael Catholic Church, Ikabigbo, Uzairue, and later killed by his abductors.

Recall that on June 5, a Catholic church in Owo, Ondo state was attacked and 40 worshippers killed by suspected terrorists. Also, a Baptist church in Kaduna was attacked and three people killed with over thirty worshippers reportedly kidnapped.