By Gabriel Ameh
ABUJA — The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Abuja hosted a solemn memorial service to commemorate the third anniversary of victims of the prolonged conflict in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), bringing together diplomats, members of the Congolese community, church leaders and other guests in a call for peace, reconciliation and hope.
The event, held on August 2, featured prayers, sermons, goodwill messages and choir ministrations in honour of thousands of men, women and children who have lost their lives to decades of violence in eastern Congo.
Delivering the opening sermon, Bishop Christian Kuyena of the Wuse Ward urged worshippers to embrace love as God’s greatest commandment, describing it as the foundation for lasting peace among individuals and nations.
He said the gathering itself reflected compassion for those who had died, reminding participants that earthly life is temporary and that every individual should prepare to meet God.
Quoting John 3:16, Bishop Kuyena said Jesus Christ’s atoning sacrifice offers hope beyond death and assures believers of resurrection.
“Our Heavenly Father has a perfect plan for His children. We are here on earth to be tested, to remain faithful and to prepare to return to Him someday,” he said.
The bishop encouraged those grieving the loss of loved ones not to lose hope, stressing that Christ understands human suffering and can lighten every burden.
He also appealed for greater love, forgiveness and peaceful coexistence, noting that societies built on compassion are less likely to experience violence and conflict.
President Obinna Alaribe, Wuse Stake President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, delivered a sermon titled “Alive in Christ,” reassuring mourners that death is not the end for believers.
He said the resurrection of Jesus Christ remains the foundation of Christian hope and guarantees that faithful believers will one day be reunited with their loved ones.
Quoting church teachings and scripture, he said both the Bible and the Book of Mormon affirm the certainty of resurrection.
President Alaribe urged worshippers to remain committed to righteous living, peace and unity while looking forward to eternal life.
He also cited Christ’s teaching to “love your enemies,” saying peace begins when individuals choose forgiveness over hatred and unity over division.
Representing the Congolese community, Mr. Salumu Saleh 1st Counsellor of the Congolese embassy, described August 2 as an important day of remembrance for victims of violence and insecurity in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
He lamented decades of armed conflict, displacement and killings that have affected communities in eastern Congo, particularly in areas such as Beni and other conflict-prone territories.
Salumu called on the international community to intensify efforts toward ending violence in the region and ensuring that all states respect international obligations under the United Nations Charter and the African Union.
He thanked the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for hosting the memorial service and standing in solidarity with the Congolese people.
In a goodwill message, Namibia’s High Commissioner to Nigeria, Waldé Natangwe Ndevashiya, expressed solidarity with the people of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and paid tribute to victims of genocide, war and prolonged conflict.
He described the occasion as a moment to honour innocent lives lost while renewing the collective commitment to peace, justice and human dignity.
“Today we remember the thousands of innocent men, women and children whose lives were tragically cut short by violence,” he said.
Speaking on behalf of the Government and people of Namibia, the High Commissioner extended condolences to bereaved families and prayed for healing, comfort and lasting peace in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Quoting John 16:33, he reminded participants that although the world experiences suffering, hope remains through Christ.
He urged governments, faith-based organisations and the international community to continue promoting dialogue, reconciliation and peaceful coexistence to prevent future conflicts.
The memorial service concluded with several choir ministrations, prayers and moments of reflection, as participants renewed calls for lasting peace, justice and reconciliation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
