Following the alarming rate of kidnappings, killings, and other criminalities plaguing Nigerians, particularly in Anambra State, Catholic men under the umbrella of the Catholic Men Organisation (CMO), Archdiocese of Onitsha, staged a massive prayer rally at the Basilica Square, Onitsha.
Hundreds of Catholic men gathered at the square on Sunday, seeking God’s intervention to address the menace of insecurity.
The rally, which began at 9:00 a.m., saw dozens of Catholic men dressed in their uniforms assemble at the square, ready for the spiritual warfare.
Some traveled from distant locations in chartered buses, while others from nearby parishes arrived in personal cars or on foot.
The highly successful and well-attended rally underscored the severity of insecurity in Anambra State, emphasizing the need for a multi-faceted approach to tackle the issue.
Recall that a member representing the area in the Anambra State House of Assembly, Justice Azuka, was kidnapped and brutally murdered recently.
Representing the Archbishop of Onitsha, Most Rev. Valerian Okeke, was the Chaplain of the Catholic Men Organisation, Archdiocese of Onitsha, Rev. Fr. Sampson Ogbuebuna.
He delivered a marathon homily, condemning the wanton killings, bloodletting, kidnappings, and general insecurity in Anambra State and the country at large.
Fr. Ogbuebuna cited the recent cold-blooded murder of Justice Azuka, who was abducted, robbed of a substantial amount of money, and brutally killed by his abductors.
His body was later discovered after the perpetrators were arrested. Fr. Ogbuebuna emphasized that such inhumanity, brutality, and heart-wrenching fate have befallen many people, and that only prayers can change the minds of those behind these incidents.
While commending the government’s efforts to tackle crime, Fr. Ogbuebuna stressed that without divine intervention, perpetrators will not change but instead grow in numbers.
He admonished fathers to set good examples, eschew primitive accumulation, and avoid flaunting wealth.
Many fathers, he noted, prioritize wealth accumulation over dignity and integrity, thereby transferring such greed to younger generations.
Fr. Ogbuebuna advised fathers to prioritize prayers, discipline, hard work, commitment, and faith, emphasizing that God blesses the handwork of a laborer.
He also indicted some fathers who engage in killing people through the sale of fake drugs, adulteration, and counterfeiting of products.
In his remarks, the Presidential General of the CMO, Archdiocese of Onitsha, Sir Evarist Uba, called for total family reorientation, emphasizing the importance of fathers being in charge of their families and raising their children in the fear of God.
According to him, the society’s values are shaped by the upbringing of children.
Sir Uba expressed gratitude to the Catholic fathers for participating in the prayer rally and thanked the Archbishop of Onitsha, Most Rev. Valerian Okeke, for approving the event.
He also thanked the Rector of the Basilica, Rev. Fr. JohnBosco Ezika, for making the Basilica Square available.
Top executive members of the CMO Archdiocese of Onitsha present at the occasion included the Deputy President General, Bro Azuka Chukwunonyelu; the Secretary General, Bro Casmir Izukanne; Bro Pascal Aniegbuna (Treasurer); and Bro Ikechukwu Onyekwelu.
Patrons of the CMO, including Sir Engr Ikem Osanakpo and Sir T O Chiegboka (Adams), were also in attendance.
The highlight of the prayer rally was special prayers for deliverance of Anambra State from crimes and criminalities, led by Prayer Warriors from various regions of the Archdiocese.
There were also prayers for God to cleanse the land, stop kidnappings and bloodshed, and console families affected by insecurity, as well as for the release of those under captivity.
CREDIT: Ononye VC
