The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Niger State has called on the Federal Government to end the killing of Christians across the country.
State Chairman Rev. Mathias Echioda made the call yesterday in Minna during the one-week universal week of prayers for Christians, which is marked annually for the peace and development of the country.
He said: “We are praying for the government to act fast on our brethren who are being kidnapped, maimed and killed in the insurgency-ravaged states, especially Christians in Southern Kaduna.
“We condemn the unnecessary and wanton killing of our brethren in Southern Kaduna. We know that the government is doing its best but it can do more because with what we have gathered, security agencies have been deployed in these places, yet, the killings continue.”
Rev. Echioda, who was represented by his Vice, Revd Fr. Godwin Bako, urged the Federal Government to put in measures to end the killings, noting that prayers cannot be answered when innocent blood is being shed.
The cleric noted that the essence of the black costume worn during the event was to identify with Christians and other innocent Nigerians that have been killed in Southern Kaduna.
Governor Abubakar Sani Bello urged Christians and Muslims to unite against all forms of insecurity, adding that security agencies have been strategically positioned to tackle any upsurge.
Represented by the Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, Jonathan Vatsa, the governor said the government identifies with the church and would do everything possible to protect its citizens.
He urged all Nigerlites, especially religious leaders, to be security conscious and report any suspicious person to security agents.
Niger CAN seeks end to killing of Christians
