Insecurity: Niger Delta Bishops applaud Nigerian Armed Forces’ sacrifice
By Athan Agbakwuru
The Niger Delta Indigenous Bishops and Ministers Forum has restated that the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN), particularly troops of the Nigerian Army (NA), have put themselves in harm’s way for the collective safety and security of all Nigerians.
In a press release issued by the Acting Deputy Director, 6 Division Army Public Relations Lt. Col. Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, he disclosed the Bishops made the assertion when the President of the Forum, His Eminence Archbishop Julius Ediwe, led a 20-man delegation on a courtesy visit to the General Officer Commanding (GOC), 6 Division, NA, Major General Emmanuel Eric Emekah, at Port Harcourt Barracks on Wednesday.
Also speaking, Bishop John Ogolo, Chairman of the Rivers State Chapter of the Forum, noted that their quest for security is centered on the Church in Rivers State, especially in light of widespread rumours that bandits have infiltrated the Niger Delta Region.
He maintained that they sympathize deeply with the casualties the military suffers in their line of duty while protecting the nation adding that, as a body, they have been praying for the AFN and other security agencies.
The Forum commended the GOC for the relative peace in Rivers State and noted that it cannot ignore troubling reports circulating across communities and social media about bandits relocating to the region.
“These rumours have created an atmosphere of fear, leaving many anxious and significantly reducing Church attendance. It’s the increasing fear among worshipers that informed our decision to visit the Division’s Headquarters,” Bishop Ogolo said.
Responding, the GOC, Major-General Emekah, thanked the Forum for the visit pointing out that the security challenges facing the nation requires a collective approach.
He noted that “Armies or militaries don’t go to war. It is nations that go to war.” The military only has a role to play in prosecuting the war and urged the Forum to sustain their intercession for Nigeria and the Armed Forces.
Major General Emekah also reaffirmed that Rivers State, and indeed the Niger Delta Region, is relatively peaceful as several high-profile programmes were successfully conducted in Port Harcourt and other areas, which lends credence to the peace and security established in the region by the security agencies.
He reassured them of continuous support of the officers and men of the Nigerian military.
