The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the 19 Northern States and the FCT, has warned that ongoing killings in Benue State threaten food security in the country.
CAN condemned the killings and demanded urgent action by the Federal Government.
The Christian body expressed sorrow over the killing of more than 200 persons in Yelwata community of Benue State.
A joint statement issued by the Chairman and Secretary General, Rev. John Joseph Hayab and Bishop Mohammed Naga, respectively, said, “This senseless massacre, among the deadliest in recent memory, is a painful addition to the relentless cycle of bloodshed in the region.”
The statement added, “While we acknowledge the efforts of security agencies, the frequency and scale of these attacks call for a more proactive, coordinated, and intelligence-driven security response.
“Within just a few weeks, other communities including those in Gwer West, Apa, Agatu, and surrounding areas have witnessed similar atrocities, leading to the displacement of over 6,500 individuals and worsening the humanitarian situation.”
CAN said it is particularly alarmed that the continued violence in Benue, a state renowned for its agricultural productivity, now threatens not only lives and livelihoods, but also national food security.
It, therefore, urged the Federal Government and relevant security agencies to take swift and decisive action to forestall further tragedies.
According to the statement, “It is imperative to clarify that these attacks should not be casually dismissed or mischaracterized as farmer-herder clashes as many of the victims were innocent civilians including women, children, clergy, attacked in their homes, or while returning from local markets, saying that the pattern of attack necessitates thorough investigations and urgent intervention.”
As President Bola Tinubu prepares to visit Benue State on Wednesday, CAN urged the Federal Government to scale up security operations in all vulnerable areas of the state by enhanced intelligence gathering, functional early warning systems, and rapid deployment of personnel.
It called on traditional and community leaders to collaborate actively to foster peaceful coexistence, ensure communal vigilance, and prevent further attacks and also enjoined humanitarian agencies and development partners “to intensify support to the displaced, particularly women, children, and the elderly, who are in desperate need of shelter, medical care, and food”.
The association urged the federal and state governments to consider prompt compensation for affected families, including those whose homes, properties and stored food supplies were destroyed, advising that Nigeria must never normalize the loss of innocent lives.
CAN also said it remains committed to working collaboratively with the government and all peace-loving citizens to promote justice, security and sustainable peace across the country.
“We extend our heartfelt condolences to the Governor of Benue State, Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Alia; the Tor Tiv, His Royal Majesty, Prof. James Ayatse; the Ochi’Idoma, His Royal Majesty, Agabaidu Elaigwu Odogbo Obagaji John; the leadership of the Tiv and Idoma nations; other traditional rulers; and the good people of Benue State. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the victims and all those displaced and traumatized by these repeated acts of violence,” the statement added.
