These mindless killings must stop – CAN

Residence of Benue state in Abuja, protesting over the killings of their relatives by the Fulani herdsmen at the National Assembly gate in Abuja Thursday. Photo by Gbemiga Olamikan

 NATIONAL President of the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, Dr Supo Ayokunle, yesterday, said the wave of killings and bloodshed across Nigeria were unprecedented.

Ayokunle, who is also the President of Nigerian Baptist Convention, lamented what he described as the continued mindless killings in the country.

The CAN President spoke in Sagamu, at the 13th annual New Year Thanksgiving and Memorial service organised by former governor of Ogun State, Otunba Gbenga Daniel.

The event, which was held at the Abraham’s Tabernacle, Sagamu, was graced by prominent traditional rulers, political bigwigs and eminent personalities.

The CAN president, who noted that without peace, the nation will not experience any progress and development, decried the prevalent clashes between herdsmen and farmers in some parts of the country.

He said: “Things are not working in the best way we have thought of. This is a very difficult time in the history of Nigeria, especially the continuous bloodshed; communities decimated and human beings killed like chicken.

“The way it is happening now, it has almost not happened before. It is so barbaric, so unbelievable that in a nation with government, things like that will continue to happen with reckless abandon. It is so unacceptable.

“We have been speaking about it. It is not a matter of politics; you don’t play politics with the lives of human beings. We have no other life to live. So, all of you (Nigerians) have to be praying that our government is going to do the best and what is right so that this nation can experience peace because without peace, there won’t be progress.

“We (clergymen) are the conscience of the nation. Politicians need to humble themselves when we speak to them. It is because we look for the good of this nation. Not everything we say to you, you will want to hear. Not everything will be palatable but we are responsible to God and to all these people, we are accountable.

“The life of every individual is very important. And God has created each person to live his life to His glory. Nobody can give life and nobody has the right to take it. Therefore, beloved people of God, let us say no to the evil in our midst. It is not a matter of politics. It is happening to some people now, who knows the next person? I pray that evil will not swallow us up.”

In his remarks, Daniel said Nigerians must have the spirit of thanksgiving irrespective of the prevailing challenges.

Notable among the dignitaries were Chief Ayo Adebanjo, Senator Femi Okurounmu, Otunba Subomi Balogun, Sir Kensington Adebutu, Dr Onaolapo Soleye, Senator Iyiola Omisore, and Erelu Abiola Dosunmu.