Catholic Bishops meet governor Kefas over ethnic, religious crises in Taraba
Jethro Yerga, Jalingo
Following incessantly communal and religious crises in Taraba State, Bishops of Catholic church led by Ignitius Kaigama, the Catholic Arch Bishop of Abuja, had paid a solemn visit to Dr Agbu Kefas, the governor of Taraba State
Addressing Journalists after the close door meeting which lasted for several hours, Bishop Ignitius Kaigama who spoke on behalf of the priests disclosed that they were at the TY Danjuma House to deliberate with the governor on the ways to come out of the impasse to allow the state move forward
“We have noted from the governor and his SSG’s briefing that a lot of work have been done but still, so much work need to be done in the area of security, in the area of unity and in the area of harmony among ethnic and even religious groups across the state
“We had useful and fruitful deliberations with the governor and with his show of willingness, we do hope that by the special grace of God, we will see greater unity among the tribes and religious groups in the state”. He said.
While stressing that there was a huge challenge in the area of security in the state, the Bishop commended the governor, Dr Agbu Kefas for doing his best to tackle the security challenges
He expressed the determination of the Catholic Church to provide the needed spiritual and all other necessary support to the governor to enable him succeed, calling on other christians and the muslim alike in the state to do same in order to move the state forward
In his comment, the governor emphasized the critical role of religious leaders in fostering unity and harmony in any given society, expressing his willingness to continue collaborating with them to promote peaceful coexistence across the state.
Recall that incidence of communal and religious crises have taken a center stage in the state as so many lives have been cut short, several communities, especially in Southern part of the state displaced without any sign of resettling the IDPs at the moment
Recently, the Catholic church boycotted the general election of the Taraba State chapter of Christian Association of Nigeria CAN, citing injustices. There is dispute over a Chieftaincy title in Takum LGA of the state and a fierce dispute between members of Global Methodist Church and United Methodist Church over ownership of properties among others
Meanwhile, the Archbishop of Abuja, Most Reverend Ignatius Kaigama, was accompanied by Most Reverend Charles Hamawa, the Bishop of Jalingo Diocese and Most Reverend Mark Nzuikwen, the Bishop of Wukari Diocese during the visit
