Borno's Catholic Bishop Claims Prayer Will Defeat Boko Haram

Most Rev. Oliver Dashe, the Catholic Bishop of Maiduguri Diocese, urged Christians to intensify their prayers in response to the country's insecurity situation, emphasizing that prayers have the power to defeat Boko Haram.

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This call to action was made by the bishop while speaking to newsmen after a church session at St Patrick’s Cathedral, Maiduguri, which was held to commemorate the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary into Heaven.

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The bishop commended the relative peace that Borno State has experienced in recent times, following over a decade of insurgency, and stressed that while prayer is crucial to achieving further success, individuals and the government must also play their part to ensure total victory.

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Dashe described the church session as an important day for the Catholic Church, highlighting the significant role that Mother Mary has played in the lives of people in the diocese.

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He noted that Mother Mary has been instrumental in his own life, saying, "Today is a very important day for us in the Catholic Church, and that is the feast of the Assumption of our Lady into heaven."

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The bishop reflected on his 17 years as the Bishop of the diocese, attributing his tenure to Mother Mary's intercession, and outlined the various devotions that take place in the diocese, including the rosary and the wearing of miraculous medals.

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He emphasized the importance of prayers in the fight against insecurity, stating that Christians must be committed to prayer and that "from the religious angle, we know that prayers will crush Boko Haram."

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Dashe clarified that while prayer is essential, human action is also necessary, saying, "However, we should know that as we pray, human beings must also do their work."

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The bishop encouraged Christians to be "alerted" through commitment to prayers, which he believes is the best way to address the current situation, and added that the church session was an opportunity for prayer, thanksgiving, and seeking Mother Mary's intercession.

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Dashe attributed the current level of peace in the state to the intervention of Mother Mary, citing the fact that people who had fled due to the Boko Haram crisis have returned and are now serving their faith.

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The bishop called on the government at all levels to support security agents in taking the fight to terrorists' strongholds, saying, "Therefore, I call on the government, both at the federal and state levels, to do the needful in ensuring that security personnel are able to go to the forest and mountains in order to fetch these terrorists and their members for peace to return to our state and country at large."