Father George Ajana (National Director of Missio in Nigeria) has called for the Nigerian government to "do what is right" after the deaths of eight Catholics shocked the Christian community in Kaduna on Sunday when a bomb was detonated outside St Rita’s church.

Speaking from Nigera, Fr Ajana expressed concern that the patience of Christians was being tested, he said: “our sermons of restraint could fall on deaf ears and those who see violent reprisals as justified deterrence, might fall beyond our control.”

Despite the tensions, Fr Ajana is still convinced that Christians and Muslims can live peacefully side by side in Nigeria and he is encouraging congregations in Kaduna to take comfort from the faithfulness of Jesus. He said: “I know that even in this predicament of ours, the Lord is still with us and he will surely not abandon us. As he promised in Mathew 28:20 He will be with us till the end of the age.”

Missio England and Wales will be looking for ways to support Fr George and his community in the coming months knowing that the conflict is not based on religious differences but rather the work of a minority group seeking their own political agenda.

See also: http://www.indcatholicnews.com/news.php?viewStory=21330