By Ade Iyamoye
The Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, has condemned the recent massacre of more than 200 people in Benue State, calling it a national tragedy and a glaring failure of government.
The Christian body is demanding urgent action from the Federal Government, including the immediate deployment of security personnel and the possible declaration of a state of emergency in the most affected areas.
In a statement issued on Monday, CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, described the killings as horrific, senseless and deeply painful, noting that entire communities have been devastated by the latest wave of coordinated violence.
“These killings have inflicted immeasurable pain on families, devastated communities and further entrenched the insecurity threatening our nation,” Okoh stated. “For too long, the people of Benue have been subjected to recurrent assaults without meaningful intervention or justice.”
The Christian body accused the Federal Government of allowing the cycle of violence to persist by consistently failing to protect citizens and prosecute perpetrators.
It said this inaction has emboldened attackers and deepened the culture of impunity.
CAN called on the Federal Government to act with urgency and resolve. It demanded a reinforced security presence across vulnerable communities and insisted that a full-scale, transparent investigation be launched to identify and prosecute those responsible for the carnage.
The group also urged the international community to support efforts to restore peace and rebuild trust in Benue and other conflict-ridden areas.
“This is no longer just about Benue. This is about the soul of Nigeria,” the statement said. “The silence and inaction from those in power is an indictment. Justice must prevail to break the grip of impunity.”
Reaffirming its commitment to the sanctity of life and the dignity of all Nigerians, CAN prayed for peace and healing, adding that Nigeria needs a leadership that values every human life.
“May peace be restored, and may justice roll down like waters,” Okoh concluded.
