Sani Dutsinma
The Catholic Bishop of Kontagora Diocese, Bulus Yohanna, has called on the Federal Government and the Kebbi State Government to take swift and decisive measures to restore security, protect lives, and ensure the safe return of displaced persons following a deadly attack in the state.
The bishop made the appeal during a press briefing held at Saint Dominic Catholic Church in Yelwa-Yauri, in response to the recent violence in Shanga Local Government Area.
Represented by the Diocesan Director of Social Communications, Mathew Kabirat, Bishop Yohanna expressed concern over the worsening humanitarian situation, noting that displaced persons estimated at about 500, including women and children are in urgent need of food, clean water, medical care, and adequate shelter.
He urged authorities to implement long-term solutions, including strengthening security presence in affected communities, rehabilitating destroyed areas, and providing sustainable support for victims.
According to the bishop, the Catholic Diocese of Kontagora is currently sheltering 491 internally displaced persons at Saint Dominic Catholic Church in Yauri, offering immediate relief and support.
He stressed that the attack, which falls within the diocese’s jurisdiction, affected people across religious lines, including Christians, Muslims, and adherents of traditional beliefs.
“This is why we speak out in the interest of justice and humanity,” he said.
The attackers, suspected to be terrorists, reportedly stormed Debe village in Shanga Local Government Area on Easter Sunday, killing at least 24 people, injuring several others, and destroying properties worth millions of naira. A church, mosque, shops, and residential houses were set ablaze during the assault.
The violence also spread to neighbouring communities, including Binniwa, where the market and the emir’s residence were burnt, and Kalkami, which witnessed widespread destruction.
While commending the efforts of Yauri Local Government Council and the Kebbi State Government for providing food items, cash assistance, and other relief materials, the cleric appealed to individuals, non-governmental organisations, and the international community to urgently support efforts to address the growing humanitarian crisis.