…Promises continued partnership to promote harmony
By Titus Atondu, Makurdi
Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom, has congratulated the Bishop-Elect of Katsina -Ala Diocese, Benue state, His Lordship, Most Reverend Father Isaac Bunde Dugu on his appointment.
A Press statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary, Nathaniel Ikyur, and made available to Nigerian NewsDirect revealed that Rev. Father Dugu was appointed Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Katsina-Ala in Benue state by His Holiness Pope Francis on Saturday.
According to the statement, he succeeded Bishop Peter Adoboh who died on February 14, 2020.
Ortom in a congratulatory message described the new Bishop as a true servant of God who has worked tirelessly to propagate the gospel and winning of souls for God.
He noted that the appointment of the new Bishop for the Diocese is coming at a time the state government in collaboration with the Catholic Church and the traditional institution in the area is succeeding in winning the war against militia gangs in the Sankera axis of the state.
He tasked the new Bishop to hit the ground running with renewed vigor in order to help strengthen the successes recorded so far so that absolute peace will return to the area.
“Your appointment at this time is timely. It is a welcome development at a time the people of Sankera are in dire need of salvation amidst growing misdemeanors and violent crimes by many citizens.
“I am optimistic that your tenure as Bishop of Katsina Ala Diocese will usher in peace in the area. It will also be an era of positive revolution in the vineyard to help save the world that is now violent prone,” Ortom stated.
He pledged the continued cooperation of the state government and partnership with the clergy across the divide, and as he put it. “in our avowed commitment to ensure a better and safer Benue state and Nigeria.”
Until his appointment, Rev. Dugu was the Director of the Pastoral Agents Department of the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria.