Bishops of the Catholic Ecclesiastical Province in Owerri, Imo State have called on Nigerians to be vigilant in the face of growing insecurity in the country.

The clerics made the call in a communiqué released after their second plenary meeting at the Bishop House, Okigwe.

The communiqué, which was signed by Archbishop Anthony J.V. Obinna, and Most Rev. Augustine T. Ukwuoma, the Chairman and Secretary, centred on numerous national issues, including security, education and the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Bearing in mind that no economic or educational endeavour can thrive in a volatile and unsafe environment, the security and safety of the nation at large and Igboland in particular, deserve special attention,” the clerics said.

The bishops said that recent and frequent cases of displacement and unlawful occupation of farmlands of indigenes by marauding herdsmen is a cause for concern.

“Kidnapping, banditry, armed robbery, incessant killings, which have continued unabated, cast serious doubts on the willingness and capability of our security outfits to rise to their constitutional responsibilities,” the Catholic Bishops said.

They also urged Imo and Abia governors’ “to protect the lives of our people, their homes and their lands.”

The clerics urged the people to rise in prayer to God in vigilance and legitimate self-defence.