By Ijeoma Obioma in Makurdi.
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has called on President Bola Tinubu to take decisive and urgent action to stop the ongoing killings in Benue State and other parts of the country plagued by violence.
Expressing grave concern over the persistent attacks—many allegedly carried out by armed herders—CAN criticised the federal government’s inability to find a lasting solution and urged it to prioritise the security of all Nigerians.
CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, made the appeal during a condolence visit to the Benue State Government in Makurdi on Tuesday. He was represented by the association’s Vice President, Rev. Stephen Baba, who led a delegation of Christian leaders.
“We are disturbed that the killings in Benue continue without end. We urge President Tinubu to take deliberate steps to halt these senseless attacks. This crisis questions the government’s capacity to protect its citizens,” Baba said.
During the visit, CAN also donated relief materials to Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) to help alleviate their hardship.
Receiving the delegation, Governor Hyacinth Alia—represented by his Deputy, Barr. Sam Ode—expressed appreciation for CAN’s solidarity and support. He described the crisis as a form of guerrilla warfare.
“They strike and vanish. But despite their tactics and wickedness, we will not give in,” Ode said.
He acknowledged President Tinubu’s concern, noting that both the National Security Adviser and the Chief of Naval Staff had visited the state in the past two weeks to assess the situation firsthand.
Ode called for continued prayers and reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to provide strong, purposeful leadership in the face of adversity.
Edited by Dada Ahmed.
