Catholic bishop: ‘There’s no political will in fight against terrorism in Nigeria’

YOLA, Nigeria — Bishop Stephen Dami Mamza of Nigeriaʼs Catholic Diocese of Yola has said the countryʼs inability to defeat terrorism is not due to a lack of military resources but rather the absence of the political will needed to end the persistent insecurity that has claimed thousands of lives in the West African country.

Speaking to ACI Africa, the sister service of EWTN News in Africa, on the sidelines of the Catholic Menʼs Organization (CMO) meeting of the Jos Ecclesiastical Province on July 7, Mamza expressed concern about the governmentʼs failure to demonstrate sufficient commitment to tackling insurgency despite Nigeria possessing the capacity to overcome the threat.

“In the security challenges that we are facing, we all know that the government is unserious,” the bishop said, noting that the countryʼs continued struggles against terrorism raises serious questions about the commitment of those entrusted with protecting citizens.

“You cannot say that the government doesnʼt have a hand in what is happening since the government is not prepared to resolve these issues and also give the military full authority to get rid of the terrorists,” Mamza said.

The Church leader…