CATHOLICS IN IBADAN on Tuesday 22 May staged a peaceful protest against the killings around the country.

The exercise, which took place SS Peter & Paul Major Seminary, Bodija, Ibadan, began with a prayer by Most Rev. Gabriel Abegunrin.

Archbishop Abegunrin welcomed the faithful, comprising priests, religious and lay members, noting that the purpose of the exercise was to pray for peace in the country and for the repose of the departed souls, those killed in the duo of Boko Haram and Fulani herdsmen insurgencies.

According to the archbishop, the demonstration also aimed at registering the displeasure of the Church to the government for not responding adequately to the killings, despite several calls from various quarters.

He urged the faithful to make a peaceful protest and not to be unruly.  “The Church is not a party to violence because two wrongs don’t make a right,” he said.

The prelate personally led the protest march with the rest of the faithful following, praying and displaying banners and placards with inscriptions in defence of human life.

Some Christians of other denominations also participated in the protest.

Engr Lere Paul, a Redeemed Christian Church of God member, said that the protest “is a Nigerian affair not just for the Catholic Church.”

 The procession passed through Bodija-Secretariat road to the Agodi office of the state governor.  The protesters were received by Honourable Gbade Ojo, Chief of Staff to the Oyo State Governor.

Archbishop Abegunrin addressed the representative of the governor and handed over the protest letter meant for President Muhammadu Buhari.

The prelate decried the silence of the president and urged all citizens to rise against the evils in the land.

-FR FELIX ADEDIGBA AND MARGARET OBOGO