By Chris Agada
The Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission (NCPC), Bishop Stephen Adegbite, has condemned the recent killings in Benue State, describing them as inhuman and callous. In a statement released in Abuja today, Bishop Adegbite expressed concern over the precarious situation in Benue, where these killings continue unabated.
He specifically condemned the recent massacre in Guma Local Government Area, where numerous lives were lost, and emphasized that such acts against humanity cannot be allowed to persist. “I strongly condemn this dastardly act by the perpetrators of these heinous crimes against humanity,” Bishop Adegbite stated.
He added, “Justice must prevail at this time to serve as a deterrent to others and to forestall future occurrences.” Bishop Adegbite extended his condolences to the Government and good people of Benue State, as well as to the families of the victims, praying that the souls of the departed rest in peace and that their families find the strength to bear their loss.
Bishop Adegbite urged the security agencies to intensify their efforts to apprehend those behind the massacre and ensure they face the consequences of their actions. He further emphasized the need for security measures to prevent such incidents from recurring, stressing that these acts are unbecoming and detrimental to Nigeria’s image.
Meanwhile, the Chairman and Board of the Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission (NCPC) has extended their deepest condolences to the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and the Catholic Archdiocese of Jos on the sudden demise of Rev. Fr. Polycarp Lubo, Chairman of CAN’s Plateau State chapter.
The Executive Secretary of NCPC, Bishop Stephen Adegbite, in a statement made available to newsmen by NCPC Head of Media and Public Relations, Celestine Toruka, expressed heartfelt sympathy to the bereaved families, CAN, and the Catholic Archdiocese of Jos. He also commiserated with the Chairman of the NCPC Board, Prof. Msgr. Cletus Gotan, an illustrious son of Plateau State and a Monsignor with the Catholic Archdiocese of Jos.
Bishop Adegbite extolled the virtues of the late Rev. Fr. Lubo, highlighting his invaluable contributions to CAN’s growth in Plateau State under his leadership. He described Rev. Fr. Lubo as a humble and humane servant of God who stabilized CAN in the state.
“The CAN as a body and the Catholic Church in particular will definitely miss this rare gem of a leader,” Bishop Adegbite stated. He prayed for the Lord to grant the Church and the immediate family the fortitude to bear the irreplaceable loss.
Bishop Adegbite further prayed that the soul of Rev. Fr. Polycarp Lubo and the souls of other faithful departed rest in peace.
