As Okoh and Sa’ad Urge Increased Efforts to Combat Violence
By Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna
The President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Archbishop Daniel Okoh, and the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammed Sa’ad Abubakar, have voiced their deep concern over the recent surge in kidnappings and killings across the country.
As co-chairmen of the Nigeria Inter-Religious Council (NIREC), they have called on the government to take decisive action to address the escalating crisis before it becomes uncontrollable.
A statement released yesterday in Abuja by the Executive Secretary of NIREC, Fr. Cornelius Afebu Omonokhua, highlighted the organization’s growing alarm at the rapid increase in insecurity nationwide.
The statement reads: “The Nigeria Inter-Religious Council (NIREC), led by His Eminence Archbishop Daniel Okoh, President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), and His Eminence Alhaji Muhammed Sa’ad Abubakar, CFR, mni, Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), is deeply troubled by the alarming rise in insecurity within the country.
“The dramatic increase in banditry, abductions, and killings is profoundly distressing, and immediate action is needed to halt these heinous acts.
“The recent spate of attacks over the past week is particularly disheartening and warrants urgent attention. NIREC calls upon the government and security agencies to intensify their efforts to eliminate these threats so that citizens can conduct their daily lives without fear or trepidation.
“The council also extends its condolences to the families of those who have lost their lives due to these reprehensible acts and prays for the safe return of those still in captivity to their loved ones.
“Finally, NIREC urges all Nigerians to remain vigilant, report any suspicious activities, and recognize that ensuring security is a collective responsibility, not solely the duty of the government,” the statement concluded.
