By Abdullahi Tukur Birnin Kebbi
The Bureau News reports that the Catholic Diocese of Kontagora has called on the Federal Government and the Kebbi State Government to take urgent and decisive steps to restore security and safeguard lives in Shanga Local Government Area.
The Bishop of the Diocese, Most Reverend Bulus Yohanna, made the appeal during a press briefing held at Saint Dominic Catholic Church in Yelwa Yauri, Yauri Local Government Area of Kebbi State, following the recent deadly attack in Shanga.
Speaking through the Diocesan Director of Social Communications, Rev. Father Mathew Kabirat, the cleric stressed the need for immediate intervention to enable displaced residents return safely to their communities.
He disclosed that the attack has left about 500 persons displaced, including men, women, and children, who are now in urgent need of food, clean water, medical care, and proper shelter.
“We are calling for urgent action to restore peace and provide humanitarian support to affected communities,” he said.
The Diocese revealed that it is currently providing temporary shelter for 491 internally displaced persons at Saint Dominic Catholic Church in Yauri.
Most Reverend Yohanna further called for long-term solutions to the recurring security challenges, including increased deployment of security personnel, rehabilitation of affected communities, and sustained welfare support for victims.
According to him, the attack on Debe village in Shanga Local Government Area occurred on Easter Sunday, leaving at least 24 people dead, many others injured, and properties worth millions of naira destroyed.
He noted that the violence affected people across religious lines, including Christians, Muslims, and adherents of traditional beliefs, stressing that the Diocese’s intervention is driven by the need for justice and humanity.
The cleric added that the violence extended to neighbouring communities such as Birniwa, where markets and the emir’s residence were reportedly set ablaze, as well as Kalkami, which also witnessed widespread destruction.
He commended the efforts of the Yauri Local Government Council and the Kebbi State Government for providing food items, cash support, and other relief materials to victims.
However, he urged individuals, non-governmental organisations, and the international community to step in with additional humanitarian assistance to address the growing crisis.
The Bureau News understands that calls for stronger security presence and coordinated relief efforts continue to grow as affected communities struggle to recover from the attacks.
