The Jigawa State Chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has condemned the recent extrajudicial killing of 16 hunters, who were indigenes of Kano State, in Uromi, Edo State.
This was contained in a press statement issued, signed, and made available to Online Tribune in Dutse, the Jigawa State capital, by the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Chairman, Rev. Fr. Maurice Kole Hassan. He stated that the killing was purely criminal and that CAN condemned it in strong terms.
Rev. Fr. Maurice Kole Hassan noted that “the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Jigawa State Chapter, has condemned in strong terms the extrajudicial killing of the 16 innocent hunters from Kano, who were brutally murdered in a barbaric, unimaginable, and horrible manner on their way from Port Harcourt at Uromi in Edo State.”
According to the statement, “This is a crime against humanity and natural justice, which violates their human rights and freedom of movement and association in any part of this country.”
“As Christians, we uphold and value every human life. We therefore sympathise with the families of the victims who were murdered and strongly call on both the Government of Edo State and the Federal Government of Nigeria to do all they can within their power to bring the perpetrators of this heinous and deplorable crime to book, as this is capable of consuming this nation and undermining our national security if not checked.”
ALSO READ: Uromi killing: Emir of Kano calls for justice as CDS vows collaboration to fish out killers
The chairman also congratulated the entire Muslim community in the state and Nigeria on the ongoing Eid-el-Fitr celebration, which marks the end of their 29-day fasting during the holy month of Ramadan.
“On behalf of the Christian Association of Nigeria, Jigawa State Chapter, I extend my heartfelt congratulations and felicitations to our Muslim brothers and sisters in the state on the occasion of Eid-el-Fitr.”
He maintained that “This festival marks the end of Ramadan, a sacred month in Islam of fasting, prayer, and almsgiving—the sacred values and principles we share together as Christians too. This should be the basis and foundation of our peaceful coexistence and unity in both the state and the nation at large.”
The CAN Chairman commended Governor Malam Umar Namadi of the state for his care, generosity, and inclusivity towards Christian believers residing in the state. “This is the bedrock of the existing peace, understanding, and brotherhood between Christians and Muslims in the state.”
Hassan also called for prayer and calm during what he described as a period of national trial and economic hardship amidst a high level of insecurity, adding that “The importance of promoting peace, harmony, and peaceful coexistence among ethnic and religious groups cannot be underestimated by anyone. But peace is impossible without justice.”
ALSO READ TOP STORIES FROM NIGERIAN TRIBUNE
and then