The Catholic Bishop of Enugu Diocese, Most Reverend Callistus Onaga, has delivered a stern warning against the ongoing violence and killings in Nigeria’s South-East.
Speaking during his annual Christmas media briefing on Tuesday, Bishop Onaga lamented the pervasive self-destruction in the region.
He described the violence as a tragic cycle, with locals turning on each other while believing they are targeting their oppressors.
“Here in the South-East, we started killing ourselves, saying we are killing those who are supposed to be killing us,” he said.
The bishop called this behavior cowardice, adding, “We are destroying ourselves. We have done it for the past three years since 2021.”
Bishop Onaga expressed deep concern over the region’s descent into chaos.
He accused a handful of individuals of profiting from the violence while the majority suffer.
“Why will we sit down and plan our own destruction and let a few people profit from it?” he asked.
The bishop’s remarks come amid rising insecurity across Nigeria, with the South-East particularly gripped by violence, kidnappings, and killings.
Bishop Onaga emphasized the need for forgiveness and unity as the only way to break the cycle of violence.
He also highlighted the dire situation in the North-East and North-Central regions, pointing to ethnic cleansing and mass killings.
“Let’s go to the North-East and other parts of the North, more especially Benue State, where the people are subjugated,” he said.
According to him, these atrocities are not solely the work of foreigners but are largely carried out by Nigerians.
“We are doing a little bit of ethnic cleansing in some areas, and then we blame foreigners. No, we are the ones doing it,” he insisted.
The bishop’s critique extended to Nigeria’s political elites, whom he urged to focus on improving the lives of ordinary citizens.
He questioned their priorities and called for them to ease the economic burdens facing Nigerians.
“Can our politicians think otherwise and begin to make things easier?” he asked.
“Will our politicians begin to really believe that we, the led, have some measure of intelligence?”
Bishop Onaga also appealed to Nigerians to embrace the true spirit of Christmas by spreading love and joy.
He urged citizens and institutions, including churches, to lower prices and levies to make the celebrations more inclusive.
“Let us not add to the sufferings already coming onto us by making things more difficult,” he pleaded.
“At Christmas, celebrate with everybody. Bring down your prices. Yes, even in the church, you should do something to bring down whatever levies there are so that people can feel the impact of the celebration of love and joy.”
The bishop concluded with a prayer for Nigeria’s progress, calling on citizens to play their part in overcoming the country’s challenges.
“My dear fellow Nigerians, let us take responsibility and work together for a peaceful and harmonious society,” he said.