Easter: Northern CAN demands establishment of trauma healing centres in Plateau, Benue

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), representing 19 Northern States and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has called on federal and state governments to urgently establish trauma healing initiatives for victims of insurgency in Plateau and Benue States as part of broader efforts to restore peace and rebuild Northern Nigeria.

In its 2025 Easter message, signed by its chairman, Rev John Joseph Hayab, the association expressed deep concern over the psychological and emotional impact of protracted violence in the region, particularly on displaced persons, women, and children.

“The physical wounds may heal, but the emotional and psychological trauma many victims are facing—especially in Plateau and Benue—requires structured healing and rehabilitation,” the statement read. “There can be no true recovery without addressing the scars left behind by violence.”

CAN also advocated for a renewed strategy to decisively tackle rising insecurity, while demanding adequate compensation and rehabilitation for victims of banditry, communal conflicts, and insurgency.

Highlighting the role of women in nation-building, CAN stressed that no meaningful development can be achieved without empowering women to take their rightful place in society. It described women as moral anchors, peacebuilders, and silent architects of social change.

“From biblical heroines like Deborah and Esther to the countless women in our rural communities, history teaches us that when women are empowered, societies heal and flourish,” Rev Hayab stated. “We need mothers who raise sons grounded in discipline and daughters equipped for leadership.”

The association warned that denying girls access to education not only limits individual potential but threatens the region’s collective future. It urged government and community leaders to invest deliberately in girl-child education, structured mentorship, and leadership development for women.

CAN further called for the implementation of inclusive governance policies that promote justice, equity, and dignity, saying such steps are critical to securing long-term peace in the North.

As Christians commemorate the resurrection of Jesus Christ, CAN urged Nigerians to reflect on the values of sacrifice, compassion, and hope that Easter represents, and translate them into action for the collective good.

“We must rise beyond ritual and rhetoric. Let the power of Easter inspire our leaders to serve with conscience and our communities to rebuild with unity and purpose,” the statement added.

The association extended Easter greetings to all Nigerians and prayed for renewed hope, stronger national values, and a peaceful, prosperous Northern Nigeria.

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), representing 19 Northern States and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has called on federal and state governments to urgently establish trauma healing initiatives for victims of insurgency in Plateau and Benue States, as part of broader efforts to restore peace and rebuild Northern Nigeria.

In its 2025 Easter message, signed by its chairman, Rev John Joseph Hayab, the association expressed deep concern over the psychological and emotional impact of protracted violence in the region, particularly on displaced persons, women, and children.

“The physical wounds may heal, but the emotional and psychological trauma many victims are facing—especially in Plateau and Benue—requires structured healing and rehabilitation,” the statement read. “There can be no true recovery without addressing the scars left behind by violence.”

CAN also advocated for a renewed strategy to decisively tackle rising insecurity, while demanding adequate compensation and rehabilitation for victims of banditry, communal conflicts, and insurgency.

Highlighting the role of women in nation-building, CAN stressed that no meaningful development can be achieved without empowering women to take their rightful place in society. It described women as moral anchors, peacebuilders, and silent architects of social change.

“From biblical heroines like Deborah and Esther to the countless women in our rural communities, history teaches us that when women are empowered, societies heal and flourish,” Rev Hayab stated. “We need mothers who raise sons grounded in discipline and daughters equipped for leadership.”

The association warned that denying girls access to education not only limits individual potential but threatens the region’s collective future. It urged government and community leaders to invest deliberately in girl-child education, structured mentorship, and leadership development for women.

CAN further called for the implementation of inclusive governance policies that promote justice, equity, and dignity, saying such steps are critical to securing long-term peace in the North.

As Christians commemorate the resurrection of Jesus Christ, CAN urged Nigerians to reflect on the values of sacrifice, compassion, and hope that Easter represents, and translate them into action for the collective good.

“We must rise beyond ritual and rhetoric. Let the power of Easter inspire our leaders to serve with conscience and our communities to rebuild with unity and purpose,” the statement added.

The association extended Easter greetings to all Nigerians and prayed for renewed hope, stronger national values, and a peaceful, prosperous Northern Nigeria.