By Sadiq Umar – The Catholic Bishops of Nigeria have urged President Mohammadu Buhari to declare the rampaging Fulani herdsmen as terrorists, adding that they should well be treat as such.
This was parts of the demands by the Bishops when they met Buhari last weekend.
The Bishops also urged Mr. Buhari to investigate the recent attacks in Agatu, Nimbo and other killings in Benue, Taraba, Nassarawa, Ondo, Edo, Delta and elsewhere.
In the address delivered by the Chairman of the Bishops Conference of Nigeria, Rev. Ignatius Slogans, the Clerics lamented that, sad enough, Christians are still unable to erect places of worship in Federal Universities in the Northern states.
“The Agatu killings, the Nimbo killings and many other killings in Benue, Taraba, Nassarawa, Ondo, Edo, Delta and elsewhere should be seriously investigated, with the perpetrators unmasked and decisively dealt with.
“Our people cannot continue to live in perpetual fear of attacks by fellow Nigerians with criminal intent. Happily, we understand that you have ordered some investigations into the Agatu and Nimbo killings.
“For a more permanent peace between herdsmen and farmers in our country, some streamlining is necessary for the good of the cattle rearers in the North and for the welfare of farmers in the South and elsewhere in Nigeria.
“Cattle ranches should be created in states known for cattle breeding, with adequate water and fodder provided and nurtured. Farmland for root crops and other plants should be protected for their specific products in states known for such. This will reduce or eliminate clashes stemming from trespassing. ”
On the issue of freedom of worship, the Bishops said “We bring to your notice that sad enough, Christians are still unable to erect places of worship in Federal Universities in the northern states.
“After forty years, Usman Dan Fodio and Bayero Universities, for example, have out-rightly denied Christians access to lands already allocated in the plans for the erection of Churches, in spite of so many mosques built by the university authorities.
“Similarly, it is such a herculean task for Christians to obtain certificates of occupancy to build Churches in some northern States. We urge you to kindly encourage State governments to kindly enforce the freedom of religion enshrined in our Constitution.”
