The Vice President of CAN, Rev. Dr. Stephen Baba Panya, making the donation to the victims of herdsmen attack in Benue State
By TYAV SAM TYAV, Makurdi –
Worried by the recent attacks and killings in some communities in Benue State, the National President, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Arch. Bishop Daniel Okoh has donated relief materials for the victims of the attacks in the state to cushion the effect of their suffering.
Performing the ceremony at the CAN secretariat in Makurdi, the CAN president expressed dismay over the incessant attacks on the people of the state, noting that the national leadership of CAN was touched by the killings and commiserated with the Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, the government and people of the state.
The CAN President, who was represented by his vice, Rev. Dr. Stephen Baba Panya, appreciated the efforts of the Benue State Government in ensuring that complete peace is restored and the displaced victims also return to their various destinations to continue with their farm activities.
He lamented that each time efforts were made to bring peace the enemy would resurface changing tactics and target which leads to continuous wanton loss of lives and property.
Arch Bishop Okoh, who expressed concern over the incessant attacks, also lamented that no concrete solution has been found by the authorities whose duty is to protect lives and property but noted with belief that through prayers even authorities that are adamant would come to their aid.
He called on the federal government to take deliberate measures to stop the killings and constant attack in Benue Plateau, Kaduna, Zamfara and parts of Sokoto revealing that that attacks on the people is to test the will and capacity of the government to stop it and insisted that “ethnic cleansing of Christian indigenous communities must be stopped.”
According to him, no excuse can be enough for the continued massive loss of lives and property in Nigeria and called on security agencies to change strategy and improve on commitment towards ending the killings.
The Christian leader in Nigeria expressed optimism that God would one day intervene for his people and it would not go well with the wicked people.
Responding on behalf of the beneficiaries, Rt Hon. Agbo Oloko who expressed delight for the presentation of relief materials, lamented that most of the communities have been deserted even as Churches, hospitals and schools in the affected areas have been closed down informally.
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Religious affairs, King David Ajav also expressed gratitude for the relief materials saying the gesture was a demonstration of love, care and hope for the victims.
The Vice Chairman of CAN in Benue State, Rev Jonathan Terwase Ugbede, who formally welcomed the Vice President noted that the relief materials would go a long way in alleviating the pains of the victims of the recent attacks in communities in Ukum , Kwande and Otukpo local government areas.
Earlier, the CAN President had paid a courtesy call on Governor Alia but was received by the Deputy Governor Sam Ode where he commiserated with the government and people of the state over the recent attacks and killings of the people of the state.
The relief materials donated by the CAN president include: bags of rice, beans, cartons of maggi and salt, among others.
