The Archbishop of Ibadan Archdiocese President, Most Revd. Gabriel Abegunrin, has alleged that there are conspiracies to keep shut the mouth of Catholic priests from saying the truth.
He said that the killing would not stop the Catholic priests from speaking the truth, stressing that the priests are known for speaking the truth always.
Abegunrin, who spoke on behalf of the Catholic Bishops of Ibadan Ecclesiastical Province, comprising Ibadan Archdiocese, Ilorin, Ondo, Ekiti, Oyo and Osogbo dioceses shortly after their meeting at Jubilee Conference Centre, Oke-Ado, Ibadan, noted that the killers are those who labour in vain, as they have unknowingly helped the man of God achieve peaceful transition to heaven by killing him.
“The killers in their thinking thought they can stop us from saying the truth. We are known for speaking the truth and we are not going to stop speaking the truth. The killers of Rev. Fr. Isaac Achi have succeeded in killing him but they don’t kill his spirit, as his spirit will continue to speak the truth and preach the word of God.”
“It is with deep sorrow that we learnt of the dastardly murder of yet another dear priest, Revd. Fr. Isaac Achi of the Catholic Diocese of Minna. We are painfully aware that the priest has suffered the fate of many other Nigerians, some, sadly unannounced. May all the casualties of insecurity in Nigeria rest in perfect peace and may God comfort all the bereaved who mourn them.
“We have repeatedly commended governors of the South-West for setting up and sustaining the Amotekun Corps and others for the relatively improved security situation in the region. Yet, we note now with regret that security status of the region took a major hit last week with the kidnap of Revd. Fr. Michael Olofinlade and others in captivity and urge all evil-doers among us to repent and work with others to build a better Nigeria,” he said.
He added: “We urge the authorities to bolster existing security measures to safeguard life and property to add new technology, apprehend and decimate those who engage in such criminal activities in the region and all over the country.
“Nigerians have a right to enjoy free and safe movement wherever they live and it is the sacred duty of government to make this possible. To the government at all levels, we say it is never too late to do the right thing because adequate security of life will have an impact on the integrity of the forthcoming general elections.”
The bishops said they identified with suffering Nigerian masses, saying the 2023 polls presented another opportunity to choose credible leaders.
