Nigeria: Bishop says Boko Haram has killed 2,500 Catholics in his diocese

Bishop Oliver Doeme

A Nigerian bishop said this week that at least 2,500 Catholics from his diocese have been killed by Boko Haram.

Bishop Oliver Dashe Doeme, from the diocese of Maiduguri in north eastern Nigeria, has taken refuge together with thousands of Catholics, in the parish of Saint Teresa in Yola in Adamawa state. He said the majority of the displaced faithful now sheltering in the parish, narrowly escaped death as Boko Haram rampaged through their villages. When people fled, families were separated, and many desperate parents are still searching for their children.

Bishop Oliver denounced the Nigerian military, who have failed to protect the people and run from Boko Haram without fighting.

The diocese of Maiduguri, named after the capital city of Borno state, comprises the states of Borno, Yobe and parts of Adamawa state - the territory where Boko Haram concentrates its activity. Nigerian president Goodluck Jonathan decreed a state of emergency in the region in 2013, but this has not prevented the advance of the Islamist guerrillas, who have recently proclaimed a 'Caliphate' in areas they have seized.

In a statement, Caritas Nigeria and the Bishops Conference Commission for Justice and Peace, say: "the simple truth is that Nigeria is at war."

Source: Fides/Caritas Nigeria