Bishop Godfrey Onah of the Nsukka Catholic Diocese has decried the persecution of Christians in Nigeria, urging those in government positions to protect lives and properties instead of sending mere Easter wishes.
The bishop likened the sufferings of Christians to the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, lamenting that Christians are being provoked and targeted without any arrest or prosecution.
Onah criticized the Nigerian government for its selective outrage when innocent citizens are massacred and when criminals are repelled, saying it seems like they want to wipe off every trace of the crimes.
He noted that Christians are being provoked legitimately to react, but when they do, they are said to be taking the law into their hands.
The bishop urged Nigerians to learn to do certain things differently, bringing the values of the gospel into their individual and collective lives.
Onah told government officials to focus on protecting lives instead of sending Easter wishes, saying “Oga, keep your wish, protect my life, do your job.”
He warned that if the current situation is allowed to extinguish the light of faith of Christians, the country will be launched into total darkness.
The bishop emphasized the importance of living out the commandments of Christ, loving God, and loving neighbors, as the only hope for salvation and peace in the world.