Catholic Bishop of Wukari Diocese, Most Rev. Dr. Mark Maigida Nzukwein on Friday, lamented the media silence on the renewed waves of killings in the southern part of Taraba.

The Bishop said over 70 people have so far been killed in Ussa LGA and the Chanchanji ward of Takum LGA, while over 1000 houses destroyed with over 10,000 families displaced within the last few weeks.

He made the assertion while delivering his homily at the Thanksgiving mass in honor of the newly inaugurated leadership of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Taraba state, the 50th, birthday anniversary of the CAN chairman, Rev. Fr. Dr. Williams Awoshiri and a Book launch writing by the CAN chairman.

The Bishop also decry the state of Infrastructural decay and gross underdevelopment in Taraba, call on the political class to step up in their constitutional responsibilities to address the alarming situation. He warned against the rising hostility targeted at Christian identity in the state.

“The rising hostility targeted at Christian identity must stop. The renew waves of killings in the southern part of Taraba, particularly in Ussa and Chanchanji ward of Takum must not continue for the interest of peace and development.

“Just within the last few weeks, over 70 people have been killed and the media have remain silent in the situation.

“The government inaction in the situation is most worrisome. The government and political class must step up in their responsibilities to urgently address the situation.

“I urge CAN to boldly speak out the truth on issues of violence attacks and the unjust plight of the Christian identity in Taraba and other parts of Nigeria. “This must not continue, We must uphold and prioritize the peace, unity and development of the citizens and their Faith,” he decried.

The Bishop described the continue decay of infrastructures in Taraba state as most unfortunate, alleged that the long humanitarian crisis in the state was neglected by the government.

“Look at the “Nnamnai Bridge”, it’s indeed scandalous that government could spend billions on political activities yet leave citizens to suffer and die on unsafe roads. “Our problem is not only the armed terrorists,” Those in the corridors of power have failed to protect the people,” he added.

The Bishop called on the Taraba state CAN leadership to embrace the culture of humility, accountability, and unity in their service to God and the society, as their position was a divine trust that they will be held accountable, either in life or death.

In his speech, Rev. Jolly Nyame, the former governor of Taraba state, commended Fr. Awoshiri for the leadership qualities demonstrated so far as CAN chairman, and urged him to sustain the spirit to build leadership trust in religious leaders.

Meanwhile, chief Gebon Timothy Kataps, Secretary to Government of the state, SGS Taraba, pledged government support for the CAN leadership and all religious group to attract the desire peace in Taraba.

In his vote of thanks, the CAN chairman, Rev. Fr. Dr. Williams Awoshiri, promised to prioritize unity among Christian and build relationships with other faiths for peace in Taraba state.

He commended the YOWICAN Chairman, Mr. Job Julius, describing him as a disciplined and tenacious youth leader who integrates faith, intellect, and human development, and the entire CAN members for their cooperation so far and appealed for it’s sustainability to succeed. (Tribune)