The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the 19 Northern States and Abuja, on Wednesday, expressed condemnation for the terrorist attacks on communities in Barkin Ladi, Bokkod, and Mangu Local Government Areas of Plateau State. The attacks resulted in the tragic loss of at least 160 lives.
During that assault, a minimum of 221 houses were reportedly set ablaze by the criminals.
Sunday Oibe, the Secretary of Northern CAN, expressed in a statement in Kaduna the hope that the recent attack would not be overlooked like previous ones.
He appealed to President Bola Tinubu to prevent Plateau or any part of the country from becoming an ungovernable territory under his administration.
The Northern CAN secretary emphasized that the President’s directive to apprehend the culprits should not merely be a routine government statement, as seen in previous similar incidents.
He said, “The association is saddened over yet another barbaric attack by terrorists on communities in Barakin Ladi, Bokkos and Mangu Local Government Areas of Plateau State, which left over 160 people dead while 221 houses were said to have been set ablaze.
“This is one attack too many on the Plateau. Since this democratic dispensation, Plateau has consistently suffered so much in the hands of terrorists and bandits.”
“This kind of barbarism cannot happen even in the animal kingdom.”
“It is very unfortunate that in Nigeria, this kind of wickedness appeared to have become an acceptable norm as people get killed and little or no effort is made by the authorities to bring the culprits to justice.
“President Tinubu must ensure that the security agencies abide by his directive.”
The statement continued, “No society makes progress when criminals go about with sophisticated weapons, killing, maiming and destroying property without being apprehended and punished.
“President Bola Tinubu must not allow Plateau or any part of Nigeria to become ungovernable because of the activities of this gang of criminals who are bent on making life unpleasant to innocent Nigerians.
“Life is already tough and hard on Nigerians as such, this act of maiming of innocent lives has to stop.”
Extending condolences to the families of the victims, the government, and the residents of Plateau State regarding the tragic incident, Northern CAN offered prayers for the peaceful repose of the souls of the deceased and swift recovery for those injured.
“We appeal to those who lost their loved ones to have faith and trust God by forgiving those who inflicted this pain on them, as only God can fight the battle for them,” the statement added.