By Charles Igwe
The Dicastery for Evangelization extends its profound solidarity to the people of Nigeria amidst the escalating crisis of kidnappings plaguing the nation. Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, Pro-Prefect for the Section for the First Evangelization, alongside Archbishop Fortunatus Nwachukwu, Secretary of the Dicastery, expressed heartfelt concern over the alarming frequency and severity of kidnappings, a situation that has gripped the country in recent times.
In a message addressed to Archbishop Lucius Iwejuru Ugorji, President of the Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria, the Dicastery condemned the reprehensible acts of kidnapping, which have inflicted untold suffering upon clergy, religious, and lay faithful alike. Emphasizing that no justification exists for such evil deeds, the message underscored the devastating impact on individuals, families, and society at large, wrought by the physical violence and psychological trauma inflicted by kidnappings.
The Dicastery’s thoughts and prayers extend to all those affected by these heinous crimes, urging swift and decisive action from the Nigerian government to stem the tide of this menace and prevent further crisis. Furthermore, it called for collaborative efforts between the government and the Church to not only ensure the safety of lives and properties but also to foster economic growth, political stability, and religious harmony within the nation.
As Nigeria grapples with the scourge of kidnapping, it has become evident that no one is immune from this threat, with victims ranging from priests and religious to foreigners, businessmen, politicians, and even school children. The complexity of the situation, compounded by the difficulty in discerning the perpetrators, underscores the urgent need for comprehensive measures to address the root causes of this epidemic.
The message concluded with a prayerful invocation for a spiritually fruitful Lent for all believers and ecclesial communities in Nigeria, invoking the blessings of the Lord and the intercession of Mary, Queen and Patroness of Nigeria.
Despite the challenges, the Dicastery remains steadfast in its support for the Nigerian people, advocating for justice, peace, and security for all amidst these turbulent times.
