Catholic Archbishop of Abuja, Most Rev. Ignatius Kaigama, has lamented that criminality is festering in parts of Nigeria despite repeated promises by the current administration to safeguard life and property.

He advised that proactive measures must be observed to bring the situation under control.

Speaking while celebrating a Mass at St. Mulumba’s Parish, Igu in Bwari Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), yesterday, Kaigama regretted that the “cloud of despair hovers over us with the ugly incidence of kidnapping, violence and unprovoked attacks such as the cases in Nasarawa, Benue, Southern Kaduna, Southern Taraba and different parts of the country.”

The cleric told the parishioners that apart from coming to administer the sacrament of confirmation, he was in the parish to pray with them and express his pastoral solidarity on account of the security challenges that they encounter now and again.

He said: “During the last attack, some of your members and those of the community were kidnapped and a violent attempt was also made on the priest in the parish house. We pray for conversion of those involved in perpetuating such dastardly acts, just as we also pray for the safety and quick release of all who are held in captivity by criminal elements.

“Our assurance as Christians is that as with the two disciples on their way to Emmaus, Jesus Christ is deeply concerned about us. He never allows us to suffer alone.

“As Christ rose from the grave, we believe that all will be well again. Our lands and communities will by the grace of God, be renewed to become safer, more peaceful and prosperous. The joy of Easter and the celebration of Sallah by our Muslim brothers and sisters should inspire us to look inwards for renewal and newness to genuinely work towards peaceful coexistence and harmony.

May the risen Lord, our Saviour, Jesus Christ, continue to guide us and give us the strength and courage to proclaim His truth and resurrection to the world. As Jesus walked with the sad, dejected and worried disciples, may we experience His consolation in our dark moments, as we receive Him in the Holy Communion.”