The Catholic Bishop of Maiduguri, Most Rev. Oliver Dashe Doeme, has called on security agencies to intensify operations and dislodge Boko Haram terrorists from forests and mountainous areas where they are believed to be operating in Borno State.

Bishop Dashe made the call over the weekend at St Patrick’s Cathedral, Maiduguri, during the celebration of the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, where Catholics across the city gathered to pray for lasting peace and an end to terrorism and violence in the state.

According to the bishop, while prayers remained central to the Christian response to the security challenges confronting the state, security agencies and government authorities must complement prayers with decisive action to defeat the insurgents.

“From the religious angle, we know that prayers will crush Boko Haram. However, as we pray, human beings should also do their work. I therefore call on the government both at the state and federal level to do the needful by ensuring that the security personnel are able to move to the forest and mountains in order to fish out these terrorist members so that peace will return to our environment, our state and the country at large,” Bishop Doeme appealed.

The bishop, while acknowledging the improvement of the security situation, said, “We know that when Boko Haram was active about 17 years ago, it was not funny, but now we are experiencing peace. People who fled have returned, and they are worshipping their God”.

He expressed concern over recent attacks in some communities in Borno, stressing the need for sustained and coordinated security operations to prevent terrorists from regrouping and attacking vulnerable communities.

The bishop also urged the Federal and Borno State Governments to continue supporting security personnel and ensure agencies have the equipment and logistical capacity needed to effectively confront the insurgency.

He called on Christians to remain steadfast in prayer, describing it as a powerful means of seeking divine intervention in the fight against terrorism.

“Let prayer be the number one thing in our lives as believers. When we are soaked in prayer, God will grant us victory,” he said.

The Catholic faithful at the celebration prayed for peace, unity and security in Borno State and Nigeria, while giving thanks for the relative improvement in security in some parts of the state after years of insurgency.

For many worshippers, the celebration was also an occasion to reflect on the hardship communities endured during years of violence and to renew their hope for the complete restoration of peace.

Bishop Dashe commended Governor Babagana Umara Zulum for his administration’s support for security personnel and humanitarian interventions to assist communities affected by the insurgency.

He called for stronger collaboration among government authorities, security agencies, religious institutions and local communities to consolidate the gains recorded in the fight against terrorism.

The bishop further urged residents to remain hopeful and committed to peace, forgiveness and reconciliation, saying restoring normal life in communities affected by insecurity required the collective efforts of all stakeholders.

The Solemnity of the Assumption therefore provided the Catholic community in Maiduguri an opportunity not only to celebrate the Blessed Virgin Mary but also to offer renewed prayers and reaffirm their commitment to peace and the restoration of security across Borno State. (The Nation)