CAN to President Tinubu: End killings in Benue

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has urged President Bola Tinubu to urgently take decisive action to end the ongoing attacks and killings in Benue State.

CAN voiced deep concern over the persistent violence in the state and across the country, emphasizing the government’s responsibility to safeguard the lives and property of its citizens.

CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, made this appeal on Tuesday in Makurdi during a condolence visit to the government and people of Benue State following recent killings by armed herdsmen. He was represented by CAN Vice President, Rev. Stephen Baba.

Rev. Baba conveyed the delegation’s heartfelt sympathy to the affected communities, stressing the need for prompt government intervention. “We are deeply troubled that a lasting solution to the killings in Benue has not been found. We call on President Bola Tinubu to take intentional steps to end this bloodshed,” he said.

He added that the situation in Benue and other parts of the country is a serious test of the government’s capacity and resolve to put an end to the violence.

As part of their visit, the CAN delegation also donated relief materials to displaced persons in an effort to ease their suffering.

In response, Governor Hyacinth Alia, represented by his Deputy, Dr. Sam Ode, expressed gratitude to the Christian leaders for their compassion and support. He described the crisis as an “asymmetric warfare,” where attackers strike and disappear, making it difficult to respond effectively. However, he assured that the state would not bow to criminal elements.

Governor Alia also disclosed that President Tinubu had recently sent both the National Security Adviser and the Chief of Naval Staff to Benue within a two-week span to tackle the security issues.

He concluded by appealing to Christian leaders to continue praying for the state, while reaffirming the administration’s commitment to providing effective and purposeful leadership.