Along with other Nigerians and people from the world over, the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) has joined in condemning the horrific massacre of hapless worshipers at St. Francis Catholic Church Owo in Ondo Staten Nigeria.
FIDA in a statement signed by its Country Vice President/National President, Mrs. Amina Suzanah Agbaje said “Government, its agencies and officials cannot continue to pay lip service to the terrible plight of Nigerian citizens when they are sworn to protect and defend.”
Excerpts
Another bloody weekend in Nigeria where yet again innocent citizens, this time worshipers in church on a Sunday are in broad daylight gunned down by unknown gunmen for no just cause, resulting in the great loss of many lives while leaving several others wounded, not to mention the wanton destruction of property and breach of peace at a place of supposed sanctuary and refuge where worshipers assemble
The government, its agencies, and officials cannot continue to pay lip service to the terrible plight of Nigerian citizens when they are sworn to protect and defend them. We are tired of hearing the government’s excuses and condemnation of the evil activities of criminals. We demand decisive action from them
The International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) Nigeria continues to strongly condemn the inhumane treatment of Nigerian citizens who now live in abundant fear and cannot freely move around the country
The dastardly act of the sporadic shooting at the congregation of St. Francis Catholic Church, Owa-luwa Street, Owo Kingdom, in Ondo State is a shame on the government who have once again failed her citizens
FIDA Nigeria is greatly saddened by the high rate of ongoing killings due to religious intolerance in many parts of the country. This is a major threat to the basic human rights of Nigerians, consequently government must put an end to this menace
Nigerians being entitled to freedom of thought, conscience and religion as well as the right to freedom from discrimination on grounds of religion must be protected from such attacks steered at depriving them from the enjoyment of their rights as enshrined in the Nigerian Constitution
Government must similarly live up to the expectations of defending and protecting her citizens especially as the recent security situation in Nigeria has continued to grossly deteriorate, leaving confusion, disorder, breach of peace and security as the new order of the day.
This is intolerable as Citizens are entitled to enjoy their right to life and property. We must appreciate that without peace and social order, there cannot be stability, growth and development. As such, our people cannot reach their full potential, and this is a great loss and a tremendous disservice to the nation.
FIDA Nigeria condemns this attack (on the worshipers and the church) which is one too many in Nigeria and demands that the culprits be arrested and made to face the full wrath of the law.
FIDA stands resolutely behind justice and speaks out strongly against all forms of evil perpetuated in the society against vulnerable citizens
FIDA Nigeria commiserates with the families of the deceased and the good people of Owo, Ondo State, we urge the Federal Government and the State Government to spare no effort in bringing those responsible for these heinous crimes to justice
