Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Maiduguri, Borno State, Bishop Oliver Dashe, says peace in the North-East can only be won by intensive prayers to tackle the spiritual stronghold of insurgents over the region.
Dashe stated this at the inauguration of Patrons and Grand Patrons of the Our Lady Queen of Nigeria Catholic Church at the Maimalari Cantonment, Maiduguri.
According to him, even though the military has recorded successes in their operations in Sambisa and elsewhere, the matter needs spiritual help to crush the insurgents finally.
He said the military needed to be engaged in constant prayers as the war on Boko Haram required more than physical fighting.
“We are in a world that is full of evil forces. Boko Hararm is an evil force that we are facing in the North-East and we know that the military is giving its best to see that it crushes the demons associated with them.
“Since Boko Haram originated from Satan, the war against them cannot be won by physical fighting alone. It also requires a spiritual dimension; so, we have decided to pray as a family for the total crushing of Boko Haram and all other evil vices in the country,” he stated.
The cleric also prayed for President Muhammadu Buhari, urging God to give him the wisdom to administer the country in the right direction.
Dashe said the military had made great sacrifices in the anti-insurgency war, resulting in many successes on the physical aspect of the war.
He specifically commended the GOC of the 7 division of the Nigerian Army Brig.-General Victor Ezugwu, for his commitment to leading his troops to success.
“The GOC has shown great commitment in winning the war against Boko Haram, because he is ready to stake his life for peace to reign. This is what we call service to humanity,” he said.
Ezugwu was inaugurated as the Grand Patron of the church during the event along with three officers of the 7 division, who were made patrons of the church.
The new patrons are Colonels Justin Ifeanyi, John Medugu, and Oke Ogbole.
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