Rev Joseph Hayab, the Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Kaduna State, revealed that armed bandits killed 23 Pastors and shut down 200 churches across the state in four years.

Hayab disclosed this during a meeting with the Commissioner of Police, Musa Garba and pastors from different Church denominations in the 23 Local Government Areas of the state.

He said;

“A Pastor who was kidnapped on 8th August, 2023, told the CAN leadership that there are over 215 Christians abducted by the bandits in Birnin Gwani forest.

“We are calling on the CP to look into this issue among many others holistically to build the confidence of the people once again.”

Former Secretary General of the Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA). Rev. Dr. Yunusa Nmadu Jnr and other pastors who spoke at the meeting, urged the Commissioner to also consider bringing to book Pastors and Imams who engaged in hate sermons and speeches.

They also asked the police commissioner to look into cases of those selling hard drugs, adding that most of the criminal acts were committed under the influence of hard drugs.

Speaking at the meeting, the police chief in the state said criminality should be addressed as a criminal without profiling him or her as a Christian, Muslim or by their tribes or ethnicity.

Garba said;

“Security is the responsibility of all and not only that of the government.While the government takes the lead in the protection of lives and property, individuals are also expected to play their parts particularly in the area of providing information.

“The meeting was basically to strengthen relationship between the police and religious leaders and listen to their challenges and together foster possible solutions. The police force under my leadership in the state will do its very best in the discharge of our duties, We should all be our brothers keeper.

“Always reach out to security personnel around your communities with prompt information once you identify suspicious persons.”

The Ebonyi State Government has urged the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Ebonyi chapter, to support and pray for the current political leadership at all levels to perform better and enhance governance.

Gov. Francis Nwifuru, who was represented by the Deputy Governor, Mrs Patricia Obila, made the call on Thursday, during the official inauguration ceremony of elected state executives of CAN in Abakaliki.

The programme was organised by CAN Ebonyi chapter in collaboration with the state government.

Nwifuru described the need for intercession for leaders for better accomplishment to make progress in the current administration.

He commended the former CAN  Chairman, Rev Fr.

He called on the Exco members inaugurated, to serve humanity and be ambassador of good deeds.

“The call is to serve humanity. And we want you to help preach and exhibit great deeds as an ambassador of Christ.

“We will work together to succeed,” Nwifuru said.

The newly-inaugurated State CAN Chairman, Rev Scamb Nwokolo, maintained that the only way to sustain progress and development of a country was to return to God in prayer.

Nwokolo added that dialogue and exploring peaceful avenues were options for better result in conflict resolution and development.

He assured that the organisation would be consistent and focused on development of ecumenical bodies and the state.

He stated that it would also run an inclusive administration and build on the foundation of previous leadership.

According to him, it is the responsibility of CAN to deploy approaches to ensure that the best is given to the society.

“This is the time to come together to give out our best.

“We will continue to call for prayers to accelerate development,” Nwokolo said.

The South-East CAN Chairman, Rev Fr. Abraham Nwali, said that the association led by his administration, played a significant role in the development of the state.

Nwali charged the executives on hard work to succeed and for betterment of the state.

Mr Edward Nkwegu, Chairman of the occasion who described Nwokolo as man of integrity, charged other executive members for compassion and advancement of peace in the state.