The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has urged the Federal Government to take immediate and decisive action against those responsible for the recent coordinated attacks in Benue State, which have claimed over 200 lives. The association condemned the violence as senseless and a reflection of governance failure to protect citizens.
In a statement issued on Monday, June 16, and signed by its President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, CAN described the persistent killings as intolerable and demanded urgent prosecution of the perpetrators to halt the cycle of impunity.
“For too long, the people of Benue have been subjected to recurrent assaults, often blamed on armed groups, without meaningful intervention or justice,” the statement read.
CAN called for the immediate deployment of reinforced security forces to safeguard vulnerable communities, and said that if necessary, a state of emergency should be declared in the hardest-hit areas.
“This persistent failure to safeguard citizens and bring perpetrators to account has emboldened attackers and prolonged the cycle of violence,” Archbishop Okoh said.
The association also demanded a thorough and transparent investigation into the killings, stressing the need for justice to prevail in order to restore public confidence.
Beyond national action, CAN appealed to the international community to support peacebuilding and humanitarian efforts in the state. “We also appeal to the international community to support efforts aimed at restoring peace and rebuilding trust in Benue State,” the CAN President added.
Archbishop Okoh reaffirmed the association’s commitment to the sanctity of life and the defense of human dignity, calling for unity and resilience among Nigerians in the face of adversity.
CAN concluded the statement with a prayer for peace and justice in Benue, urging all stakeholders to rise to the occasion and prevent further loss of innocent lives.
