A delegation representing Catholic organizations in Nigeria offered words of comfort and pledged help for Nigerian refugees who fled to neighboring Cameroon because of a violent insurgency. Led by Bishop Lucius Iwejuru Ugorji of Umuahia, chairman of Caritas Nigeria, the delegation visited Minawao Camp in Maroua, Cameroon, in mid-March to meet with some of the estimated 36,000 Nigerians who have sought safety in recent weeks. “We are here to facilitate your going back to Nigeria. We will ensure that your plight here will get an immediate attention of the federal government of Nigeria who, too, are aware of our visit,” Bishop Ugorji told the refugees. The refugees were forced to flee violence by Boko Haram, a Muslim militant group based in northeast Nigeria, in recent months. Bishop Ugorji thanked officials of the Diocese of Maroua-Mokolo and the Cameroonian bishops’ conference for welcoming and assisting the refugees. “Their action demonstrates the ecclesial unity of the church in responding to human needs irrespective of tribe, nation or even religion,” he said.
Fleeing Boko Haram
Show Comments (
)
Comments are automatically closed two weeks after an article's initial publication. See our comments policy for more.
The latest from america
Approximately six million people have died in the conflict in the eastern D.R.C. since 1996. For decades, numerous armed groups have competed for power and control of this vast nation’s potential fortune.
In the face of dangerous nativism and the possibility of state violence through deportation, the church will be challenged to offer a compelling and credible response.
Speaking at a pair of events in Washington surrounding the the National Prayer Breakfast, President Donald Trump announced that he is forming a task force led by Attorney General Pam Bondi to investigate the “targeting” of Christians.
With interest in a papal elections high thanks to the Oscar-nominated film “Conclave, ” Pope Francis decided to extend the term of the 91-year-old dean of the College of Cardinals rather than make way for someone new.