By Abdullahi Tukur Birnin Kebbi
The Most Reverend Bulus Yohanna of the Catholic Diocese of Kontagora, has called on the federal and Kebbi State Governments to take urgent and decisive measures to restore security, protect lives and ensure the displaced persons return to their homes safely.
He made the call at a press briefing held at the Saint Dominic Catholic Church in Yelwa Yauri in Yauri local government area of Kebbi state, in relation to the recent attack in Shanga local government area of Kebbi State.
Most Reverend Bulus, said the displaced persons are in urgent need of food, clean water, medical care, and adequate shelter as they reached about five hundred persons including men, women and children.
Most Rev. Yohanna who was represented by the Diocesan Director of Social Communications, Rev. Father Mathew Kabirat also called for long time solutions which to include improved security personnel in the area, rehabilitation of the affected communities, and sustainable support for the welfare of the displaced persons
According to him, the Catholic Diocese of Kontagora, assisted the victims with shelter in which currently 491 internally displaced persons are being taken care of at Saint Dominic Church in Yauri.
He added that the recent attack falls within their jurisdiction and the victims are Christians, Muslims and adhere to traditional religions, that is why we speak out in the interest of justice and humanity.
According to him the attackers suspected to be terrorists have attacked the Debe Village in Shanga local government area of kebbi state on Easter Sunday killing 24 people, injuring many and properties worth millions of naira were destroyed as terrorists set ablaze a church, mosque, shops and houses.
The Cleric further explained that the violence extended to neighbouring communities in Birniwa where the market and the emir’s residence were burnt and in Kalkami there is a spread of destruction.
He commended the effort of Yauri local government council and Kebbi State government for denoting food stuffs, cash, and other needed items and urged other individuals, Non governmental organizations and international community to contribute urgently to address the humanitarian crises.
