Catholic priest who mediates for peace between warring Tiv and Jukun people in Nigeria hopes the crucifix would “draw and invoke the spirit of prayers”, foster reconciliation
By Justine John Dyikuk | Nigeria
November 6, 2023
A Catholic priest in the newly created Diocese of Wukari in Nigeria’s Taraba State has erected a 12-foot crucifix in the hope that it would become a pilgrimage center and put an end to the intractable decades-long Tiv-Jukun tribal war.
“Peace is what we have always prayed for and with the crucifix, we believe that Jesus will speak to his people since he is the prince of peace,” said Father Anthony Odey, parish priest of St. James’ the Great Pastoral Area, Adu in Takum County who erected the cross. Adu is an agrarian farming community mostly inhabited by Tiv speaking people who have been affected several times by internecine violence. “Members of the community are always afraid of coming back home because there is no peace. And if the Gospel of Jesus must be preached, we need people, and that people can go there to pray, trusting that God will heal and restore them,” Father Odey told La Croix International.
“We need peace in Nigeria”
The Diocese of Wukari has listed ensuring peace and reconciliation among warring tribal factions in the region worst hit by warring ethnic Tiv/Jukun nationalities. It was here that a Catholic priest was shot and burnt in 2019 while returning from a meeting to mediate in a conflict. The Tiv/Jukun violence occurs frequently — first in 1959, then 1980, then in 1990, in 2001, 2019…
