By Sam Tyav, Makurdi
Worried by the spate of killings, destruction and displacement of thousands of residents of Benue State by killer herdsmen, the State’s chapter of Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has organised a prayer summit for Christians in the North-Central Nigerian state.
Speaking on Friday, June 6, during the prayer summit, CAN Vice Chairman in the State, Rev. Jonathan Terwase Ugbede lamented that a lot of people have been killed by the herders even as attacks on Benue people continued unabated.
Communities in Logo, Kwande, Ukum, Agatu, Apa, Gwer West and Guma Local Government Areas (LGAs), among others, the Vice Chairman noted, were the most hit by the bloodfest.
Rev. Ugbede noted that only God could save residents of the state from the cruel hands of the herdsmen and appealed to Christians to offer relentless prayers for God to intervene in the situation.
He wondered why some youths in the state would go behind to support the killing of their fellow Benue people by identifying with the herders to cause mayhem.
The Vice Chairman, who sued for unity and peace in the state, appealed to the youth to find something useful to engage in so as to remain relevant to themselves and society in general.
Ugbede, who appreciated Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Iormem Alia, for his proactive approach to issues of insecurity in the state, further noted that the establishment of Anyam Nyor was a clear indication that the Governor was determined to deal with insecurity in the state.
He, therefore, appealed to all Benue people to support him to succeed.
On rising calls for imposition of emergency rule on Benue, Ugbede thumbed down the suggestion, saying the church in the State does not support such call.
To him, the church plays no role in any call for the removal of the Governor but would continue to support him (Gov. Alia) so that he can make progress with the people-oriented projects he has started.
In his message on the occasion, immediate past Chairman of CAN in the state, Rev. (Dr.) Augustine Akpen Leva told Christians that only God would save them and appealed to the people to quit their evil ways and come to God with remorse as only God would save the land.
Dr. Leva, who stressed that it was not too late for the people to return to God, insisted that they should also embrace the virtues of love, unity and avoid everything capable of dividing them, bringing disunity as well as hatred in the society.
Local Government Coordinators of CAN also organised same summit in their various areas.
At the prayer summit, prayers were offered to God for various issues.
There were also thanksgiving to God with the people asking for God’s intervention over the dire security situation in the state.
