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๐Ÿ‡ณ๐Ÿ‡ฌ Nigeria /Culture & Society

Prayers will crush Boko Haram, Borno Catholic bishop says

From The Punch · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

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  • The Catholic Bishop of Maiduguri Diocese, Oliver Dashe, urged Christians to intensify prayers, stating that prayers can defeat Boko Haram.
  • He acknowledged the relative peace in Borno State but stressed that both prayer and human action are necessary for lasting victory against insecurity.
  • Bishop Dashe attributed the current peace in Borno to divine intervention, particularly through "Mother Mary," and called on the government to support these efforts.

The Catholic Bishop of Maiduguri Diocese, Most Reverend Oliver Dashe, has called upon Christians to strengthen their prayer lives, asserting that fervent prayer possesses the power to overcome the insurgency of Boko Haram. Bishop Dashe made these remarks following a church service dedicated to the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

From the religious angle, we know that prayers will crush Boko Haram. However, we should know that as we pray, human beings must also do their work.

โ€” Most Reverend Oliver DasheThe Bishop emphasized the dual role of divine intervention through prayer and human action in combating insecurity.

While commending the relative peace Borno State has experienced in recent times after over a decade of insurgency, Bishop Dashe emphasized that prayer is a crucial element in achieving complete victory. He stressed that this must be coupled with continued efforts from individuals and the government. The bishop described the church service as a significant occasion for the Catholic community, highlighting the vital role "Mother Mary" has played in the lives of the faithful in the diocese over his 17 years as bishop.

Speaking on the fight against insecurity, Bishop Dashe urged Christians to remain vigilant through prayerful commitment. "From the religious angle, we know that prayers will crush Boko Haram. However, we should know that as we pray, human beings must also do their work," he stated. He added that being prayerful is one of the best ways for Christians to stay alert.

It is very important that Christians should be on alert, and one of the best ways to be alert is to be prayerful.

โ€” Most Reverend Oliver DasheThe Bishop advised the congregation on the importance of prayer as a means of spiritual vigilance.

Bishop Dashe further attributed the current level of peace in Borno State to the intercession of "Mother Mary." He noted that many who fled the conflict have returned and are now able to practice their faith freely. He concluded by urging government authorities at all levels to take necessary actions to support the ongoing peace-building efforts.

One of the things she has done is the fact that she brought relative peace in this axis.

โ€” Most Reverend Oliver DasheThe Bishop attributed the current peace in Borno State to the intercession of 'Mother Mary'.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by The Punch. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.