Sunday’s terror attack on St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, Owaluwa in Owo, Ondo State, where 38 worshippers were reportedly killed and others wounded has to a large extent elicited reactions from the government and the international community.
The latest is that of the parliamentarians in the United Kingdom – the House of Commons.
The Members of Parliament debated at length at the spate of killings in Nigeria and they offered their condolences to the families whose loved ones died in the attack.
The Tuesday session was presided by the Deputy Speaker of the House.
According to Church Times Nigeria, the plenary which was presided by the Deputy Speaker of the House, availed parliamentarians to comment on the killings and asking questions from Elizabeth Truss, UK Secretary of Foreign Affairs.
They however asked Truss what effort the UK government was making to support Nigeria in securing lives.
They also noted that religious identity has been a factor in many of the killings. They wondered if the Nigerian government has done enough in playing its role to protect the citizens.
A member of the House observed that there is no sense of urgency in the Nigerian government about securing lives.
He stated that though there has been condemnation from the government there has not been a corresponding action to secure lives in the country.
Another parliamentarian noted that the insecurity in Nigeria poses a lot of threats to its democracy. He urged the UK government to lend support to Nigeria and ensure justice is meted out to criminals.
In her submission, Truss disclosed to the House that the UK government would continue to work with the Nigerian government on a medium and long-term basis to fight insecurity.
She gave a report of her visit to Nigeria in February noting that the issue of insecurity is a grave concern to the UK government. During her visit, she said she was able to meet some stakeholders who gave their perspectives on the escalating violence in Nigeria.
According to her, both Christians and Muslims have been attacked at different times. She described Nigeria as one of the most violent countries in the world.
She said the government of Britain has been collaborating with Nigeria on capacity training.
So far, Truss disclosed that a sum of N117 billion dollars has been withdrawn and diverted to humanitarian aid to the poorest countries in the world.
Church Times Nigeria
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