By Joseph Kingston
Calabar
The Catholic Church in Nigeria has called for donations from public spirited Nigerians and organisations to cushion effects of the Boko Haram insurgency on Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) who escaped from the war zone without anything to fall back on.
Addressing newsmen in Calabat at the weekend, the Executive Secretary of Caritas Nigeria/Justice Development and Peace Commission, JDPC, Rev. Father Evaristus Bassey, advised other Nigerians who were fortunate not to be victims of the conflict to adjust their lifestyles to reflect the ongoing war.
He said: “On behalf of Caritas Nigeria and JDPC, the humanitarian and human development organs of the Catholic Church in Nigeria, I hereby express concern over the seemingly persistent and unabated situation in the North East. The simple truth is that Nigeria is at war.
“We are, therefore, appealing to ordinary Nigerians who want to assist the Church in the North East to take care of the internally displaced persons to do so through Catholic Caritas Foundation of Nigeria Account Number 1012829522 Zenith Bank Plc or Catholic Diocese of Maiduguri Account Number 1010505709 Zenith Bank.
“Nigerians living in safety now should spare a thought for those who require basic needs such as food, blankets, water, toiletries. Your support could go a long way to alleviate their situation, even as we work for and pray for stability.
“But imagine being a refugee in your own country! Imagine running for hours for safety. Imagine not being certain if you would eat for days. Imagine having to sleep in the hills for days and weeks. Imagine not having a bath for days and wearing the same cloth.
“Imagine not having the freedom to worship God the way you are convinced, because someone believes in using violence to propagate his faith. What is happening is a terrible humanitarian crisis and as Nigerians we need to show solidarity. We need to adjust our lifestyles to reflect the present circumstances. We need to reflect compassion for those suffering.”
