The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has strongly criticized the attacks that took place on Christmas Eve in Bokkos and Barkin-Ladi Local Government Areas of Plateau State.
The attacks resulted in the deaths of over a hundred people and the destruction of numerous houses. CAN’s President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, expressed his deep concern about the incident, stating that it poses a significant threat to the unity and shared values of the nation.
“We condemn these acts of violence in the strongest possible terms. The burning down of houses and worship centres and the destruction of properties worth millions of naira is not only a criminal act but also a direct assault on our shared values of peace, unity, and mutual respect.”
“Such acts have no place in our society and must not be allowed to prevail,” the Archbishop said.
The body stated that it is with the victims at this difficult period.
“We mourn with the families, friends, and communities who tragically lost their loved ones in the villages of Ruku, Hurum, Darwat, Mai Yanga Sabo, NTV, and Lisham Kwahasnat community in Wase LGA. We stand with you at this time of grief, and our prayers go out to you for comfort and strength. The loss of lives, including those of our brethren in the Baptist Church in Chirang village, is a devastating blow to our collective peace and unity.”
Archbishop Okoh praised the swift actions of a combined police and military task force in restoring order. However, he urged security intelligence to develop proactive strategies to avoid similar incidents in the future.
“We commend the swift intervention of the Military and the deployment of a joint police and military task force to restore peace and prevent further lawlessness in the affected communities. We recognize the efforts of State Governor Caleb Mutfwang in calling for peace and unity amid such adversity.”
“However, while appreciating these immediate responses, we urge the security agencies to intensify their efforts in intelligence gathering and proactive interventions to preempt and forestall these types of dastardly acts in the future. Our people deserve to live in peace, and it is high time we moved from reactive to preventive measures.”
The group also pleaded for peace and harmony among the state’s indigenous peoples as they provided relief goods to impacted areas.
“We believe in the unity and strength of our nation. We acknowledge the resilience of the people of Plateau State and the nation at large. We must reinforce this unity and resilience in the face of such adversity. Let us shun all forms of violence and embrace the peace and unity that our nation so desperately needs.”
“In this season of love and giving, let us remember the victims and their families not only in our prayers but also by reaching out to them with relief materials. Let us extend our empathy and support and commit to building a peaceful and prosperous Plateau State and Nigeria as a whole.”
