Nigerian bishops condemn increase in violent crime, robbery

Published: 2005-09-21

BENIN CITY, Nigeria (CNS) -- Nigerian bishops have condemned an increase in violent crimes and armed robbery, including those at churches and other places of worship. "The security agencies seem powerless to deal effectively with this menace," the bishops said in a statement issued at the end of their annual meeting in mid-September. The bishops called on the government to provide for the security of Nigerians by "adequately equipping and remunerating members of the security agencies so that they could discharge their responsibilities." They also urged concerted efforts to address the high level of unemployment in the country, which some sources list as nearly 30 percent. "It is generally believed that many of the young people who engage in armed robbery and other violent crimes do so because they are not gainfully employed," the bishops said. The bishops commended efforts to fight corruption in the public and private sectors.

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