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  • We’re tired of seeing human being slaughter like animals – CAN tells el-rufai

    We’re tired of seeing human being slaughter like animals – CAN tells el-rufai

    By Ujah Simon, kaduna

    Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, President, Rev. Samson O. A. Ayokunle said until the killings, including that of southern kaduna, stopped, the best of present government and security agents cannot be said to be enough.
    He also said that the reason why CAN is crying in the state and at the national level is because “they’re tired of seeing human beings being slaughtered like animals.

    Ayokunle who disclosed this during a courtesy call on Governor of kaduna state Mallam Nasir el-rufai in kaduna said that they’re also crying out against the killings because of the negative image the continuous crises is bringing to the state and Nigeria nation in the international community.

    He said “If people say that it is religious or ethnic, we do not have the right to say they are foolish or should shut up because the continuing crisis has given them rooms to say whatever they are saying as long as the killings continue.

    “So, the government is the one who has our trust and resources to secure our communities and we have the legitimate right to challenge the government to empirically convince us that it is doing that.
    “On many occasions, when I read of ‘unknown gunmen’ and it ends there, I wonder whether it is not the duty of those governing us to make sure that the “unknown gunmen” are ‘known’ and brought to book!

    “When bandits, herdsmen, Boko Haram, religious fundamentalists or even, cattle rustlers strike, the people would have had the rest of mind and firm belief in the government and security agents, if they had pursued them to wherever they came from and made sure that they were brought to book.

    “If such people had been brought to book before, the proportion was a far cry from the frequency of attacks and killings. The people causing trouble are not spirits, so, it should not be too difficult to apprehend them and bring them to book”, he stated.

    He stated that If there were people sponsoring them, a thorough investigation should be able to fish them out and cause them to face the wrath of the law.

    The Rev. told the Governor that it they continue to watch people doing reprisal attacks without making both sides responsible for taking laws into their hands, “we would be guilty of legitimizing criminality.
    “Whoever attacks first and whoever is doing reprisal are both criminals that must be made to face the wrath of the law”, he said, adding that CAN
    is ready to partner with government and security agents in finding a solution to this matter.
    He therefore appealed that accusations and counter-accusations between the government and other stakeholders over the killings in Southern Kaduna be stopped, and every other provocative statement over the matter be avoided.
    “No bandit, gunman or cattle rustler should be allowed to strike and disappear into the thin air any longer without being pursued to his or her base for apprehension and prosecution”, he stated, among other demands put before the governor.

  • Killings: El-Rufai, CAN President, others meet in Kaduna

    Killings: El-Rufai, CAN President, others meet in Kaduna

    Kaduna state governor, Nasir El Rufai is currently playing host to President of the Christian Association, Olasupo Ayokunle.

    They are at the government house, according to them on a peace mission to the state.

    The CAN President is accompanied by clerics in the state, and other national executives of the association.

    In attendance are heads of security agencies in the state, cutting across the various formations.

  • Kaduna killings: Self-help might be the alternative, says CAN

    The President of the Christians Association of Nigeria (CAN), Rev. Samson Ayokunle on Tuesday described the ongoing killings in Southern Kaduna as unacceptable.

    Ayokunle said that the recent destruction of lives and property in the community has clearly shown that Nigeria: “is a nation that is at war against enemies of the state.”

    He warned that people might result to self-help as alternative if the situation is not addressed by government.

    The clergy man called for genuine intervention in the crisis, adding that: “Despite assurances from both the Federal and Kaduna State Governments to nip the crisis in the bud, the spiraling of these assaults have indisputably shown that these demons of murders are yet to sheathe their swords against Southern Kaduna communities and that the government appears not to be sincere in walking the talk.”

    According to a statement issued by his Special Assistant (Media and Communications), Pastor Adebayo Oladeji, the CAN boss said: “People should not be allowed to result to self-help, but if this situation is not addressed, self-help might be the alternative because nobody would keep on watching for these nuisance to continue to be on the prowl and snuff life out of him or her.

    “As the umbrella body for all Christians in Nigeria, we share in the pains of victims of terrorism being unleashed on Southern Kaduna and other communities in this nation. There is the urgent need by government and the security forces to walk their talk and combat the raging insecurity squarely across Kaduna state and other parts of the country. The government should not think that we are not appreciative of their efforts but we say without mincing words that your present best is unacceptable. It is not the best Nigerians expect. How can we be seeing and reading in the news about mass burials and be happy when we are not fighting a civil war? We deserve peace in Nigeria.

    “On our own part as a religious organization, we have never ceased and will never cease from praying for you our leaders to have the courage to put an end to these evils that are giving our beloved country negative image abroad.

    “The ongoing crisis in Southern Kaduna in recent weeks with the attendant destruction of lives and property has clearly shown Nigeria as a nation that is at war against enemies of the state.

    “The leadership of CAN was flabbergasted when the presidency described the current bloodshed in Southern Kaduna as politically motivated coupled with banditry deployed along ethnic and religious lines. Where is the statistical evidence for that? Who are the politicians involved in this inhuman and callous act that the Federal authorities have failed to apprehend or name? Do they have the right to be doing this scot-free if it is true? While the present bloodbaths in the southern part of Kaduna state has been shown to be acts of criminality that should have attracted sanctions, the lackluster disposition of the government in stopping further massacre of Christians and decimation of their communities by terrorist herdsmen speaks volumes on how government values human lives and genuine intervention.

    “Should the gunmen and terrorists be more powerful than a legitimate government? Why couldn’t the Kaduna State Government with Federal authorities go into the bush where these herdsmen are and apprehend them? Why couldn’t they mop up the ammunition with which they are doing havoc?”

    Ayokunle said it is regrettable that despite assurances from Governor Nasir Ahmad el-Rufai to bring perpetrators of the Southern Kaduna crimes to justice, the state and security agencies involved in the maintenance of law and order are yet to fulfil their pledge.

    He said: “We equally observe that the government must redeem its image by addressing the constant murders and ethnic war going on in Taraba State, the constant herdsmen’s attack on people of Benue State and the senseless banditry in the Northwest of this country. If the size of our security agents is too small to effectively secure the lives of the citizens of this country, why can’t the Federal Government engage more people? We have millions of young people who are jobless and are ready to defend their nation against internal and external aggression.”

  • Kaduna State CAN Chapter appeals to govt to tackle insecurity

    Kaduna State CAN Chapter appeals to govt to tackle insecurity

    The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Kaduna State Chapter has appealed to government at all levels to tackle the security challenges facing the country.
    Rev. John Hayab, the Chairman of CAN made the appeal in a statement on Monday.

    Hayab said that the chapter was sad and upset with the killings and increasing insecurity in the north, especially in Kaduna, Katsina, Sokoto and Borno States.

    “Our governments must, therefore, live up to their responsibility by tackling the present state of insecurity across the country.’’

    He urged them to wake up to their responsibilities and put an end to the criminality that had brought “about misery on the people.’’

    Hayab noted that in the last few weeks, hundreds of people had been killed by the Boko Haram insurgents and bandits, who had invaded communities and unleashed mayhem on the people.

    “People are now living in perpetual fear as they are not safe on the highways and even in their homes.

    “Rural communities are being invaded by bandits and farmers cannot go to their farms for fear of being killed or abducted for ransom by gunmen,’’ Hayab said.

    He called on governments to rise to the “declining security situation’’, adding that
    protection of lives and property of the citizenry were constitutional responsibility of governments all over the world.

    The CAN chairman said that there was a need for leaders to take stock of the security situation in the country.

    “We need to check where we have gone wrong and those things we are doing that we need to do better.

    “Many lives are being wasted almost on a daily basis by Boko Haram and bandits. People are being abducted and killed by kidnappers because they could not pay the huge ransom demanded by the hoodlums.

    “For instance in Kaduna State, the security challenges in Chikun, Kajuru, Kauru, Zangon Kataf, Birnin Gwari have continued to be a serious source of worry.

    “Sadly, people are experiencing these challenges at the time of the increase in hunger, economic hardship and fear of COVID-19. These pains are too much for the citizens to continue to bear,’’ the cleric said.

    According to him, we all love this country and have always prayed and work to get the best.

    “Let us not fold our arms and allow evil people to destroy our land.’’

  • Kajuru Killings: CAN Calls On FG To Protect Helpless Citizens

    Kajuru Killings: CAN Calls On FG To Protect Helpless Citizens

    The Kaduna State Chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has condemned the renewed attacks in Kajuru Local Government Area of the state calling on the Federal Government to come to the aid of the residents.

    Over 20 residents of Kajuru have been reported killed and scores of others injured following an attack by suspected herdsmen.

    In a statement issued on Wednesday to commiserate with the people of Kajuru, the Chairman of CAN in the state, Reverend Joseph Hayab appealed to people in the area, irrespective of their ethnic or religious identities, to work together to promote peace and security of their community.

    READ ALSO; Gunmen Kidnap Kaduna APC Deputy Chairman, Daughter

    “We must not forget that an injury to one is an injury to all,” CAN statement read in part.

    The Christian body, however, questioned if the Federal Government is truly aware of the happenings in Kajuru or that it has chosen to ignore the people.

    Given the need to secure the life of every citizen, CAN calls on the government to truly take on its constitutional role of protecting innocent citizens, in order to avoid a situation whereby the people may take up arms to defend themselves.

    “Recently, the general frenzy is that despite the continuing attacks on hapless Kajuru communities, those responsible for ensuring the security of lives and property are only but playing lips service to the security challenge.

  • Covid-19: CAN mulls suspension of Sunday worship, weddings in Benue

    Covid-19: CAN mulls suspension of Sunday worship, weddings in Benue

    The Benue branch of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has recommended the suspension of all Sunday worship and wedding activities in the state as a proactive measure against the spread of Covid-19 pandemic.

    In a message by its state chairman, Rev. Akpen Leva, on Thursday in Makurdi, the association appealed to churches to comply with the recommendation to curtail the spread of the pandemic.

    Leva said the recommended suspension would take effect from April 1 and enjoined all churches to cooperate.

    The message titled “The Reality of Covid-19: A call for strict compliance”, the association appealed to proprietors of mission based schools to adhere to the directive for the closure of schools by the state government.

    “It has become very pertinent for me to address you today concerning the reality of COVID-19 Pandemic which has brought the world to unavoidable panic.

    “The rate at which it is spreading therefore calls for real collaboration and unity of purpose to ensure we curtail further spread among our people.

    “In this regard, we urge all church leaders, clergymen and the Christian community in Benue State to duly observe the following adjustments we have made regarding our Christian activities.

    “Considering the importance of the week long fasting and prayer session organized by CAN in conjunction with the state government, which is to round up on 29th March, 2020, we wish to say that with effect from 1st April, 2020, we will encourage churches to enforce smaller units of congregational worships of not more than 50 people.

    “We also recommend the suspension of Sunday services and Mass for the next two weeks to monitor the situation. Christians are encouraged to continue with home devotions, Crusades, conventions, revivals, vigils, refresher courses.

    He said other activities that involved coming together of large congregation should be discouraged for the benefit of the residents of the state.

    “Burials should be restricted to only close family members of the deceased. Weddings and social celebrations are to be suspended until the situation improves.

    “We urge you to observe strictly the health conditions as prescribed by Centre for Disease Control and World Health Organization (NCDC). In this regard, you are advised to avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.

    ”Personal protective equipment including hand sanitizers, face masks, hand washing fonts with liquid soap dispensers to be provided. Thus, hand sanitizers should be handy at every church entrance. He

    “We appeal to all church leaders to ensure that this information gets to the grassroots and also ensure strict compliance. Ensure the vulnerable are not abandoned at this time and beyond.

    “Finally, we appeal to the standing committee on COVID-19 and the state government to cooperate with the church by providing the needful so that we can effectively control the spread of COVID-19 in Benue state,” Leva said.(NAN)

  • COVID-19: Ogun CAN, Muslim community order compliance with ban

    COVID-19: Ogun CAN, Muslim community order compliance with ban

    Christian and Muslim bodies in Ogun have directed churches and mosques to comply with the state government’s directive banning all high-density gatherings as part of measures to curtail the spread of the coronavirus in the state.

    A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, June Somorin, on Thursday had said the ban on high-density gatherings affects all schools as well as all religious activities in the state.

    According to him, all schools in the state will remain closed indefinitely after school hours on Friday.

    The State Chairman of Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Bishop Tunde Akin – Akinsanya, had consequently directed all churches to comply with the directive.

    “Our church leaders are therefore enjoined to reduce to the bearest minimum the number of worshippers within a confined space.

    ” Let us as much as possible, for the situation on hand follow Matthew 18: 20 ” for where two or three come together in my name, there I am with them”; for the purposes of standing in gap for our members during this trying period.

    “As we look up to Jesus the author and finisher of our faith, we have confidence and assurance that He will not leave us nor forsake us as a body and as a nation,” the CAN chairman said.

    The Wakilu Musleem of Yorubaland, Edo and Delta States, Sheik Iskeel Awwal, also announced the suspension of all mosque activities, particularly the weekly Asalatu and Jum’ah prayers and any gathering of up to 50 people.

    “The suspension of activities shall take effect immediately until further notice.

    The decision, he said, was informed by the spread of the corona virus and Fatwa by World Islamic bodies taking cognisance of the Islamic principles of ‘preservation of life’, ‘prevention of harm’, and ‘proactive response to impending danger’.

    “The society shall abide by government’s recommendations and update members and mosque users of any change in the suspension decision.

    “We acknowledge that many of our members and mosque users might find this unprecedented decision very uncomfortable, we should please be reassured that this is for the good of the community and it is in compliance with the Islamic response to epidemic pandemic,” he said.(NAN)

  • CAN lauds Nigeria Police Force on renewed fight against Kaduna bandits

    CAN lauds Nigeria Police Force on renewed fight against Kaduna bandits

    Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has commended Nigeria Police Force for its renewed zeal in fighting criminals, bandits and kidnappers in Kaduna state.

    Rev. John Hayab the state’s CAN Chairman gave the commendation in a statement issued on Thursday in Kaduna.

    Hayab urged security operatives to keep the momentum until the state and country were freed from criminals.

    According to him, residents of Kaduna State have suffered untold hardship in the hands of bandits and evil men in recent years.

    “As a result of increase in banditry, many have been chased away from their homes and villages. The sad story is that bandits have kidnapped, killed and collected huge ransoms from victims for years.

    “When such evil was going on, we cried to the government and security agencies to carry out their Constitutional duties but it seemed the cries fell on deaf ears.

    “However, the news that security men went after bandits in Birnin-Gwari forest and killed many of them on Wednesday brought back hope and the expectations that good and peaceful days may be returning to our dear state and country.

    “Kaduna State chapter of CAN, therefore, commends the Inspector General of Police (I-G) and all the team for doing what law-abiding citizens expected them to do.

    “Even though this effort may be coming late but it is better late than never.

    “Therefore, we celebrate this feat and encourage the police to keep the momentum until every criminal and all their hideouts are cleared for citizens to have new lease of life,” he said.

    The CAN Chairman appealed to Nigerians to continue to pray for security agencies and also to render any form of support needed to win the war against Enemies of the State.

    “We pray for a quick recovery for those who sustained injuries in the course of the operation. Their sacrifices are appreciated and duly acknowledged,” Hayab said.

    Police operatives on Wednesday went after suspected bandits in Birnin-Gwari forest.(NAN)

  • Attacks: CAN urges harmony between Christians, Muslims

    Attacks: CAN urges harmony between Christians, Muslims

    The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has called for peaceful co-coexistence between Christians and Muslims for the stability and growth of the country.

    The Adamawa branch Chairman of CAN, Bishop Dami Mamza, urged faithfuls of the two religions not to fall to the antics of insurgents trying to create friction between the majority peace loving members of the two faiths.

    Mamza made the call in Yola on Friday while receiving a delegation from President Muhammadu Buhari, led by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Mr Boss Mustafa.

    The Federal Government delegation paid CAN a condolence visit over the death of Rev. Lawal Andimi killed by Boko Haram insurgents Rev. Denis Bagauri killed by suspected kidnappers in the state.

    Mamza stressed the need for Christians and Muslims to unite and support security agencies in exposing bad eggs among their followers and others using religion to cause crisis.

    While lauding Buhari for identifying with them in this period of grief, Mamza said the Christian community would support government in promoting peace.

    “We want you to express our appreciation to the President. We receive with gratitude his condolence and we will continue to pray for him and for our country to enjoy peace.”

    Mamza said that the Christian community in Adamawa would engage on three-day special prayer and fasting on Monday and urged other faithfuls to join them in seeking divine intervention for lasting peace.

    Earlier, the SGF said he was in Yola on behalf of the president to commiserate with the people, particularly Christian community over the killings and to assure them of government commitment to address the security challenges.

    While praying for the repose of the deceased, Mustafa urged the people to use the moment for sober reflection on ways to unite in finding a lasting solution to the security challenges.

    He also urged religious and other leaders to guard their utterances on moments like this so as not to create unnecessary tension.

    “It is expected of us at this moment not to engage in actions or say things that would further exacerbate the situation instead of bringing healing and comfort.

    “We should not do anything that will bring more grief to our communities,” Mustafa advised. (NAN)

  • BREAKING: Boko Haram kills CAN chairman abducted in Adamawa

    BREAKING: Boko Haram kills CAN chairman abducted in Adamawa

    Boko Haram insurgents have killed Lawan Andimi, chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Michika local government area of Adamawa state. 

    Andimi was abducted early January when the insurgents attacked Michika. 

    He was from Kwada village in Chibok local government area of Borno state but worked as a pastor in Michika.

    A source who confirmed the incident to TheCable said Andimi was killed by his captors on Monday. 

    “At some point the insurgents reached out for negotiations, and the church was still trying to see how they can get on with the terms,” he said.

    TheCable learnt that a CAN delegation was on its way to Michika to see the family of the deceased.

    Days after his abduction, the clergyman, in a video clip, asked Ahmadu Fintiri, governor of Adamawa, to rescue him.

    “I have never been discouraged, because all conditions that one finds himself …is in the hand of God. God who made them to take care of me. So, the summary of my speech; I am appealing to my colleagues, reverends, particularly my president, Reverend Joel Billy who is a strong man, a man of compassion and man of love. He can do all his best to speak to our governor, Umaru Jibrilla (Fintiri) and other necessary agents for my release here,” he had said.

    On Christmas eve, a faction of Boko Haram affiliated to the Islamic State, killed 11 Christian captives in Borno, and said the action was taken to avenge the deaths of Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, the late IS leader, and Abul-Hasan Al-Muhajir, its spokesman, who were killed in Syria in October.

    Four abducted aid workers of the Action Against Hunger, an international non-government organisation, were also killed by the Islamic State in West Africa Province (ISWAP) in December.

    The insurgents said the aid workers were killed because of the breakdown of talks with the federal government.

    It is not clear why Andimi was killed as his captors are a yet to take responsibility.