Yakubu Ventim
The Chairman Christian Association of Nigeria,(CAN) Plateau State chapter Rev. Fr. Polycarp Gana has disclosed that recent fresh attack led to over 40 of its people being left dead (17 burned beyond recognition while a number of Corpses littered at the hospital mortuary) and 4 houses burned down.
The Coordinator Jos North Rev. Ezekiel Dazi Nyam CAN Secretary Jos North in their joint statement condemned the killings of YALWA ZANGAM, a community of Jos North LGA.
The statement read, “We woke up this morning to yet another This ungodly incident comes on the heels of some promises and threats issued by some Islamic clerics over the media to revenge on innocent Christians over the Rukuba Road killings of 14/08/2021.
We reiterate and condemn aggressively these killings and attacks on innocent citizens in their homes and the provocative statements by clerics who should be preaching understanding and solidarity to fish out the bad eggs in our communities.
We condemn provocative statements at these times when we should be trying to assuage frayed nerves by words from the holy books which should build rather than further tear apart.
We demand from the government to know clearly, if Christians are second-class citizens or if being Christian and preaching peace and togetherness is a crime? No one has a monopoly of hard and inciting words, but for the peace, we wish with our neighbors.
We call on the government to extend the visits it has initiated and to similarly compensate families who are badly affected to ease their suffering just as they did for the affected victims of 14/08/2021.
We appeal that community surveillance is beefed up for our communities and for their proper training in order to keep the rule of engagement.
We sympathize with the security men who have lost their lives on active duty as a result of this serious bridge in our security and appeal to the government to be more proactive and sincere to the citizens.
Christians must remain vigilant and prayerful, but never again allow their communities and families to be killed like flies. We must stand firm in prayer, but also defend ourselves.
Finally, the Association calls on Christians to stand by and commiserate with our fellow citizens who have lost their loved ones. May the Lord give us the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss. Peace be with you!
