The Catholic Bishop of Maiduguri Diocese, Most Rev. Oliver Dashe, has urged Christians to intensify prayers for an end to insecurity and terrorism in Nigeria, saying prayer remains a powerful weapon against Boko Haram.
Dashe made the call on Saturday while speaking with journalists after a church session held at St. Patrick’s Cathedral in Maiduguri, Borno State, to mark the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary into Heaven.
The bishop commended the relative peace recorded in parts of Borno State after more than a decade of Boko Haram insurgency. He, however, stressed that sustained efforts by individuals, communities and government were necessary to achieve lasting peace.
Describing the celebration as an important occasion for the Catholic Church, Dashe said the Virgin Mary had played a significant role in the spiritual life of the diocese.
“Today is a very important day for us in the Catholic Church. And that is the feast of the Assumption of our Lady into heaven,” he said.
He noted that the diocese had continued to observe various Marian devotions, including the recitation of the rosary, wearing of miraculous medals and pilgrimages to its pilgrimage centre.
According to him, these practices were also used to reconsecrate the diocese, families and individuals to the Immaculate Heart of Mary.
Reflecting on his 17 years as Bishop of Maiduguri, Dashe said he believed Mary’s intercession had contributed significantly to his ability to serve the diocese.
He also linked the relative improvement in security across parts of Borno to what he described as the intervention of the Virgin Mary.
Dashe recalled the devastating impact of the Boko Haram insurgency when it began about 17 years ago, noting that many residents were forced to flee their homes.
He said the return of displaced residents and the restoration of religious activities in affected communities were signs of progress.
On the role of prayer in tackling insecurity, the bishop urged Christians to remain spiritually vigilant and committed to prayer.
“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 said.
He further urged the government at all levels to provide the necessary support to security agencies and empower them to take the fight against terrorists to their strongholds.
Dashe stressed that while prayer was essential, practical action by authorities and citizens remained necessary to consolidate the gains made in the fight against insurgency.
He therefore called on Christians to continue praying for peace in Borno State and Nigeria while supporting efforts aimed at securing communities and defeating terrorism.
