KATSINA-ALA, Nigeria — A recent violent attack has devastated the Agu Centre community, leading to widespread destruction of property, including the local Parish Church and its headquarters. This assault, attributed to armed militia, has left local residents fearing further violence, prompting many to flee their homes.
Members of the Nigerian Catholic Diocesan Priests Association (NCDPA) condemned the attack, which they described as not merely an assault on their church but as a broader attack on governance and communal stability. They emphasized that the violence reflects a larger, coordinated effort by armed groups to exert territorial control, surpassing what is typically characterized as disputes between farmers and herders.
Witness accounts and reports indicate that the attackers, believed to originate from neighboring Taraba State, conduct their operations with apparent impunity, retreating to safe havens without interference from government forces or law enforcement. The breakdown in security has raised alarm among the affected communities, who feel abandoned in their time of need.
As a result of the assault, the NCDPA has called urgently for government intervention to restore security and rebuild what has been lost, including St. Paul’s Parish in Aye-Twar. The group is advocating for restitution for the damages incurred and the protection of residents’ rights and properties across Benue State.
They called for a comprehensive investigation involving the governments of both Benue and Taraba states, stressing the urgent need to hold the perpetrators accountable. Additionally, they urged national security agencies to take decisive action to address the escalating violence, which they assert has developed into a serious form of religious persecution.
The NCDPA’s statements highlight a growing concern among communities in the region over the escalating cycle of violence, which they argue requires immediate and sustained intervention from government entities at all levels. As reports of similar attacks become more frequent, the call for justice and protection resonates deeply among affected populations, who are increasingly eager for a resolution to the ongoing conflict.
Community leaders are hopeful that raising awareness about these issues may draw the attention of international bodies, prompting them to support efforts aimed at restoring peace and security in this troubled region. The situation remains critical as residents seek both safety and a return to normalcy following the devastation experienced in their community.