Kaduna—Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Kaduna State, Rev Joseph Hayabmade knows that within the past 4 years, bandits have killed 2323 pastors and shut down 200 churches in Kaduna State.
Addressing a gathering in Kaduna on the previous day, Rev. Joseph Hayab met with the Commissioner of Police, CP Musa Garba, and pastors representing various denominations across the 23 Local Government Areas (LGAs) of the state. Hayab detailed the challenges the Church has faced, attributing them to the actions of criminal elements in the state.
“A Pastor who was kidnapped on 8th August 2023, told the CAN leadership that there are over 215 Christians abducted by the bandits in Birnin Gwani forest. They are still there and the Pastor told us that the bandits asked him to lead prayers for the 215 Christians while he was in their den.”
“We are calling on the CP to look into this issue among many others holistically to build the confidence of the people once again,” he said.
During the meeting, Rev. Dr. Yunusa Nmadu Jnr, the former Secretary General of the Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA) worldwide, along with other pastors, urged the Commissioner to take action against pastors and imams involved in delivering hate sermons and speeches.
They called on the Commissioner of Police to investigate and crack down on the sale of hard drugs, saying that most criminal acts are committed under the influence of these drugs.
In his statement, the CP emphasized that criminal behavior transcends religious affiliations, and anyone involved in criminal activities should be treated as such, without categorizing them based on their religious, tribal, or ethnic background.
According to him, “Security is the responsibility of all and not only that of the government. While the government takes the lead in the protection of lives and property, individuals are also expected to play their parts, particularly in the area of providing information.”
“The meeting was basically to strengthen the relationship between the police and religious leaders listen to their challenges and together foster possible solutions. The police force under my leadership in the state will do its very best in the discharge of our duties, We should all be our brother’s keeper.”
”Always reach out to security personnel around your communities with prompt information once you identify suspicious persons.”