KSJI Celebrates 14th Anniversary, Expresses Concern On kidnapping of Priests

By DADA AYOKHAI
Catholic faithful in Edo State have reaffirmed their commitment to the Church, insisting that the deteriorating security situation will neither dampen their love for their country nor their faith.
They also expressed concern over the recent attacks on prominent Catholic figures such as Revered Fathers, priests, and others, allegedly carried out by criminals posing as herdsmen, the congregation stressed that no attempt to violate their holy places will deter them from carrying out God’s work.
Recently, the Catholic faithful gathered in Benin, the capital of Edo State, to commemorate the 14th anniversary of the Knights of St. John International (KSJI), Benin Grand.
Former two-term deputy governor of Edo State and former Chief of Staff to President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, Chief Mike Oghiadomhe, served as the Father of the Day
The event which was held at the St Peter’s Catholic Church, Benin, equally attracted other respected Catholic leaders in the region.
In his opening speech, Col. Chris  Umogbai, the Grand President of the Benin Grand of KSJI, emphasized the unifying faith and aspirations of the members, who stand together free from prejudice and are committed to purity, obedience, and devotion.
He commended the members for their steadfastness amid the economic challenges and urged them to hold onto God for sustenance
ol. Umogbai also expressed his sorrow over the alarming rise in attacks on clerics, revealing that reverend Fathers and priests have increasingly become targets for kidnappers and other criminals.
He stated, “It’s truly disheartening that sacred places are no longer safe. Our revered leaders have become prime targets, facing abduction for ransom and in some tragic cases, death. Such heinous acts have shaken our faith and resolve, but we remain steadfast in defending the Church.”
A variety of activities marked the 14th-anniversary celebration of the KSJI, culminating in the unveiling of a special anniversary logo, a Thanksgiving Mass, and the honouring of distinguished Catholic figures.
Among those honoured were Chief Mike Oghiadomhe, Sir Oseghale Blessings David, Hon. Philip Shaibu, the former deputy governor of Edo State, and the current Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Blessing Agbebaku.