By Sam Tyav, Makurdi
Piqued by the recent attacks and killings in some communities in Benue State, the National President, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Archbishop Daniel Okoh has donated relief materials to victims of the recent attacks.
The relief materials included bags of rice, beans, cartons of Maggi food seasoning, salt and others.
The items were to soften the harsh blows of their current situation on the victims.
Performing the ceremony at the CAN Secretariat in Makurdi, the State capital, the CAN President expressed dismay over the incessant attacks on people of the state, noting that the national leadership of CAN was touched by the killings and had commiserated with the State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, the government and people of the state.
Represented by CAN Vice President, Rev. (Dr) Stephen Baba Panya, the Christian leader appreciated the efforts of the State Government in ensuring that complete peace is restored and displaced victims also returned to their various destinations to continue with their farming activities.
The CAN President lamented that each time efforts were made to bring peace, the enemy would resurface changing tactics and target – leading to continuous wanton loss of lives and property.
Archbishop Okoh, who expressed concern over the incessant attacks, also lamented further that no concrete solution has been found by the authorities whose duty is to protect lives and property but noted that through prayers, even authorities that are adamant would come to people’s aid.
He called on the Federal Government to take deliberate measures to stop the killings and constant attacks in Benue, Plateau, Kaduna, Zamfara States and parts of Sokoto, revealing that the attacks on the people were to test the will and capacity of government to stop terrorism.
To him, “ethnic cleansing of Christian indigenous communities must be stopped.”
According to the CAN leader, no excuse can be enough for the continued massive loss of lives and properties in Nigeria.
The clergymen called on security agencies to change strategy and improve on commitment toward ending the killings.
The Christian leader expressed optimism that God would one day intervene for His people even as he prayed that it would not go well with wicked people.
Responding on behalf of the beneficiaries, Hon. Agbo Oloko, who expressed delight at the presentation of the relief materials, lamented that most of the affected communities have been deserted even as churches, hospitals and schools in those areas have been closed down informally.
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Religious affairs, King David Ajav, who also spoke, also expressed gratitude over 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 body’s Vice President, noted that the relief materials would go a long way in alleviating the pains of victims of the recent attacks in communities in Ukum, Kwande and Otukpo Local Government Areas (LGAs).
Earlier in the day, the CAN President had paid a courtesy call on Gov. Alia, and 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.
