The violent attacks on Plateau towns on Christmas Eve that resulted in numerous deaths and numerous houses being set on fire have been denounced by the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN).In a statement, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, the president of CAN, called the unpleasant event a blatant assault on our shared ideals of harmony and peace.
In addition to advising people to abstain from all forms of violence, Okoh asked security services to step up their efforts in gathering intelligence and making proactive interventions in order to prevent future instances of these heinous atrocities.
"Violence has no place in our society; it is an open attack on our common values of peace, unity, and respect for one another, and it must not be allowed to win," he declared. Along with being illegal, setting homes, places of worship, and other property on fire threatens the harmony and tranquility of our community.
"I express my sincere condolences on behalf of the national leadership of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) over the horrific incidents that have recently taken place in Plateau State on Christmas Eve," he stated.
Our condolences go out to the families, friends, and communities of those who lost loved ones in the Wase LGA villages of Hurum, Darwat, Ruku, Mai Yanga Sabo, NTV, and Lisham Kwahasnat community. We are here for you during this difficult time, and we are sending you our best wishes for solace and fortitude. The deaths of so many people, including members of our own Baptist Church in Chirang Village, deal a fatal blow to our community's harmony and tranquility.
In the greatest terms possible, we denounce these violent acts. In addition to being illegal, the burning down of homes, places of worship, and properties valued at millions of naira is an outright attack on our common ideals of harmony, peace, and respect for one another. Such behavior has no place in our society and shouldn't be tolerated.
The President of CAN expressed sympathy to the families, friends, and communities that suffered the terrible loss of a loved one. He also applauded the military's prompt action in restoring peace and averting further lawlessness in the impacted areas, as well as the deployment of a joint police and military task force.
In the face of such hardship, Okoh also praised State Governor Caleb Mutfwang's initiatives in advocating for harmony and peace.
"It is past time for us to switch from reactive to preventive measures, and our people deserve to live in peace." We recognize the tenacity of the people in Plateau State and the country as a whole. In the face of such difficulties, we must strengthen this togetherness and perseverance," he continued.
In addition to offering prayers, Okoh asked Nigerians to remember the victims and their families by providing aid.
"Let's commit to creating a peaceful and prosperous Plateau State and Nigeria as a whole. Let us extend our empathy and support," Okoh stated.