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By Oscar Okhifo
Bishop Gabriel Ghiakhomo Dunia, the Catholic Bishop of Auchi Diocese, is widely known for his commitment to rural education, family unity, and peacebuilding. However, his Diocese has recently been gripped by escalating insecurity.
Several priests under his jurisdiction have been abducted, and some have tragically lost their lives.
In an exclusive interview with Pointblank News, the clergyman shared his views on the current security crisis, expressing deep concerns while dispelling narratives that link the violence to religious or ethnic motives.
“These are very challenging times for all Nigerians,” he began. “Even the so-called ‘big men’ with armed to the teeth security guards are living in fear. If they feel unsafe, what hope is there for the common man?”
The Bishop decried the spate of kidnappings and killings, particularly in Edo North, as both “scary and unfortunate.”
“This land used to be known for its fertile soil and hardworking farmers,” he said. “Today, farming is a dangerous venture. Armed herders roam freely, destroying farmlands and targeting innocent farmers. From communities in Akoko-Edo, Owan and to North Ivie in Etsako East and elsewhere, the stories are horrifying.”
The violence hasn’t spared the clergy. Several Catholic priests have been kidnapped and killed in recent years.
“This is a strange kind of terrorism,” Bishop Dunia lamented. “We never experienced such before. Let me be clear: this is not about religion or ethnicity. No! it’s about money. Blood laced money. Criminals target priests thinking the Church will pay huge ransom. But the Catholic Church has a strict policy: we never pay ransom.”
He noted that every Catholic priest understands that his mission is rooted in sacrifice and divine protection, regardless of the dangers of his assigned location.
The Bishop recounted several disturbing cases:
“Fr. A. Alfred, once his secretary, was abducted by men in army uniforms around Jattu junction at dusk. What happened was, they ordered him to park. Seeing them in Army uniform gave him no cause for alarm. He calmly came out. They bundled him into the boot of his car and whisked him away.
“They asked him to call whoever that could pay his ransom. He told them he was a Catholic priest. They laughed and told him he was a good catch because the church had money. According to him, he called me and I was not available. That was God at work because my phones never go off.
” When no ransom was paid, he was released days later. He was limping when he came here to narrate the gory story.
“Fr.Oyode, who had returned from studies abroad, was kidnapped too. A Fulani casual employee of his , informed his abductors that he had brought back large sums of foreign currency. The suspect even confessed that the Priest was very good to him.
“Fr Christopher Odia was serving at Ikabigbo. His case was another case of an enemy within. He was murdered by those who abducted him. There was attempt to rescue him”
Bishop Dunia criticized the rescue operation. He said it was poorly coordinated and worsened by premature media exposure.
“When I got the report that Fr. Odia was kidnapped and that the hunters and Vigilante operatives were on their trailed, I advised the community leaders to stop the pursuit. I told them that I knew the terrain. What they needed do was to circle the forest of Anegbette before the police goes in to search. There will be no escape. They did not adhere. They put pressure on them and eventually killed one of the abductors and injured another. They got provoked and killed the priest. You know what they were doing? They were all over the social media and radio reporting that they had killed and injured one. You think the abductors didn’t have collaborators? They obviously told them what was happening. Even the police fell for that unnecessary publicity. I warned. They too ignored. It was a very avoidable death”
He narrated another incident of a priest who was abducted shortly after boasting about money following a book launch and burial ceremony of his father. The attackers ransacked his house and the church, searching for cash. They saw none and they took him away.
“In many of these cases,” the Bishop said, “information came from insiders. That’s why I can’t tie this to religion or ethnicity. It’s greed. It’s betrayal.”
He urged Nigerians to resist the temptation to view insecurity through sectarian lenses.
“We must be wise. Both Muslims and Christians are victims. If we keep linking these acts to religion or tribe, we will never solve the problem.”
On whether any of the perpetrators have been arrested, the Bishop expressed deep disappointment in the police.
“Investigations are still open-ended. I call on the Governor and the President to ensure justice is served. If criminals go unpunished, impunity will thrive.”
He condemned the government’s weak response to armed criminals compared to the harsh crackdowns on peaceful protesters.
“During EndSARS, peaceful youths were met with force. But when it comes to real terrorists and bandits, there’s hesitation. Why?”
He concluded with a call for love, unity, and national healing.
“Our lack of unity is why we have bad governance and continue to elect poor leaders who rule us like a conquered people. Until we unite, we will not overcome.