By Fatima Zahra Muhammad
ASHENEWS reports that Rev. Fr Isaac Achi, a priest of St. Peters and Paul Catholic Church who was burnt alive by bandits in Kaffin-Korro in Paiko local government area of Niger state has been buried.
The cleric, who was buried at the St.Michael Cathedral Church, Bosso in Minna, the Niger state capital was killed on January 15 by bandits who reportedly razed down his house during an attack.
Speaking during the funeral mass held on Friday, the Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Niger State Chapter, Most Rev Bulus Dauwa Yohanna condemned the gruesome killing of the cleric, and urged the people to be more deliberate in choosing leaders.
“We have reached a stage where we can no longer keep quiet. What has happened shows the rate of insecurity in the country. If this action is to be stopped, the solution lies with all of us.
“While we pray, we must also play our part. If we don’t go out to vote, then we can’t blame anybody. You have another opportunity now and this is the only way we can change the situation.
“If we have credible leaders who care about the people, this act will be controlled.
“Many of us think that our duty is only to watch. Now we have seen where it has led us to.”
He also charged political officeholders to fulfill their responsibilities to the people.
“It is not enough to be elected into a position of authority and then neglect your responsibility. Leaders must be upright and show concern for their people,” he said
Similarly, the governor of Niger state, Abubakar Sani Bello in his address condoled the immediate family of the deceased for the loss.
Bello represented by his deputy, Ahmed Mohammed Ketso said that the government has ordered that the culprits be brought to justice.
“It is our responsibility as a government to protect lives. This is a barbaric act and we have ordered that a thorough investigation be carried out on this case.”he said.
