Herdsmen killings: CAN slams Buhari, says war looming if unchecked

THE Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) have slammed President Muhammadu Buhari over the continued attacks and killings of Christians across the country, especially the recent killings in Benue State.

According to the Christian apex body, the recent attacks, if unchecked may result in war.

CAN particularly expressed worries over the inability of President Buhari to issue a presidential order to the security chiefs in order to halt the killings across the country.

During a press conference on Friday at the CAN secretariat in Abuja, the CAN General Secretary Reverend Musa Asake said in the past few days, armed men had killed over 300 people in Benue state alone.

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“Over the last few days, Fulani herdsmen, bandits, gunmen, and others had mowed down more than 300 people in cold blood only in Benue state. On 24/04/2018, 19 people including two Catholic priests were brutally killed in Gwer Local Government Rea, 25/04/2018, 23 people killed in Guma Local Government Area, while the figures continue to rise by the day.

“War seems to be looming in Nigeria while the aggressors are no other than misguided individuals who had been armed to provoke different communities into needless battle.

“Yet, President Buhari, who was popularly elected in 2015 has not seen the need and urgency to issue a Presidential order on the need to halt the killings and with stern instructions of security operatives to bring perpetrators to book.

Reverend Asake, therefore, said “in a very strong term, CAN condemn the inability of the President Muhammadu Buhari administration to curb and stop the murderous activities of Islamic insurgents in the country. Christian Association of Nigeria calls on the President of Nigeria to immediately take steps to permanently dismantle both Boko Haram and Fulani herdsmen.

“CAN also condemn in equally strong terms the violation of the Federal Character Principle in appointments in security and education by the Buhari administration and calls on the National Assembly to fulfil its mandate by reversing the appointments made by President Buhari.

“All Christian assemblies in and outside Nigeria shall observe a Sunday of Christian mourning and protest on Sunday 29th April 2018. All Christian Assemblies are required to protest round their neighbourhood about the killings of Christians and also demand the immediate release of Leah Sharibu and the remaining girls from Chibok still in captivity.

“Every Nigerian of voting age should ensure he/she is registered and obtain the permanent voters card in readiness for the 2019 election. Nigerians must vote into power a political party that will promote democracy which translates to justice, equity and fairness to all”.

CAN, however, support the call by the Former Chief of Army Staff, General Theophilous Danjuma for Nigerians to defend themselves when attacked by armed men.