The Christian Association of Nigeria ( CAN) has condemned the killing of travellers by terrorists in Sokoto state and many other such attacks around the country, insisting that country is under siege and that in such an atmosphere its citizens can’t be optimally productive.
The Christian body said such attacks are evil and inhuman and has plunged the country into despair, as everyday tales of malicious criminalities and large scale murders make their way to public awareness.
Recall that on Monday armed gunmen believed to be bandits ambushed a vehicle of 23 passengers traveling from Sabon Birni Local Government Area in Sokoto State. Some of the passengers including children who were traveling from the town of Sabon Birni to the town of Isa near the Nigerian border with Niger were then burnt to death.
Rev John Joseph Hayab, Vice Chairman CAN 19 Northern States, made this known in a statement made available to journalists in Abuja on Thursday.
CAN called on the Federal Government and Governors in the Northern States, especially in the North west region to take strong measures to stop this evil permanently.
The statement reads, “condemn the animalistic behaviour. CAN is concerned that these terrorists have taken their crime against Nigerians too far.”
“How can people be productive when they are living in perpetual fear of terrorists in their homes and everywhere they go?
“Security of lives and property is a serious government business but what we are seeing today is how some of our leaders are playing politics with a serious matter that has almost destroyed the peace, joy and hope of the citizens.”
“CAN is appealing to security agencies to stop the unhealthy competition amongst them and work together in unity for the common good of all Nigerians.
“Our security agencies have all it will take to defeat these terrorists.”
“CAN on its part will continue to offer our prayers, support and play any role that will help to bring this evil to an end.”
“CAN Northern States commiserate with families of those who lost their lives and pray that God comfort them and repose the souls of the departed,” the statement added.
As the Northwest continues grappling with banditry and the concomitant murders and kidnap for random, CAN has consistently condemned these attacks, urging the governments to take stronger actions to secure lives and properties.