CAN URGES UNITY AND COOPERATION TO COMBAT TERRORISM IN THE NORTH

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By: Fasasi Hammad

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Northern Nigeria has emphasized that national unity and collaboration with the government are crucial to tackling terrorism and addressing persistent security challenges in the region.

Speaking to journalists in Kaduna on Saturday during an interactive session, CAN Northern Chairman, Rev. John Joseph Hayab, urged northern Nigerians to work together with authorities to end the senseless killings across the country.

“I want northern Nigeria to work together with government and other Nigerians to end the senseless killings in the country,” Hayab said. “If the terrorists know that we are united with the government, their work will be weakened, and we can virtually bring it to an end.”

He further warned that as the country approaches the 2027 general elections, some individuals may deploy deceptive strategies. “We should focus on collective efforts to defeat our enemies. We in the North must not allow adversaries of progress to continue destroying lives and property,” Hayab said.

The CAN leader stressed that Nigerians should not be enemies of one another but must work together to hold leaders accountable and drive national development. He also raised concerns over certain actors, both within and outside Nigeria, who he said aim to keep the North divided through targeted attacks on Christians in North Central states, particularly Kogi and Kwara.

Hayab called on Christians in the affected areas to remain vigilant, prayerful, and report any suspicious activities to security agencies, while urging security forces to intensify efforts to prevent such attacks.

He highlighted ongoing initiatives to foster unity across Northern Nigeria, including engagement with the Arewa Consultative Forum, Northern Elders Forum, and other regional groups to promote peace. Hayab noted that Northern CAN has established a reconciliation group in partnership with these organizations to strengthen regional cohesion.

On the recent bombing in Sokoto, Hayab described military strikes on terrorist camps as necessary actions against national enemies, emphasizing that terrorists target both Christians and Muslims indiscriminately.

Regarding the death sentence handed to Victor Solomon, also known as Zidane, by a Kaduna High Court, Hayab said CAN is reviewing the judgments and intends to appeal. “We will look at the two judgments and we will appeal based on the facts we have. I believe it will not be long before the story of Zidane changes and he will be released,” he said.

He clarified that the case is not about religious faith but about upholding human rights, ensuring justice, and fair treatment for all individuals.