CAN urges President Tinubu to end killings in Benue, donates relief materials to victims

DDM News

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has called on President Bola Tinubu to urgently address the killings in Benue State.

As gathered by Diaspora Digital Media (DDM), CAN expressed deep concern over the continued violence affecting the lives and properties of innocent citizens in the state.

The association urged the federal government to fulfill its constitutional duty of protecting the people and maintaining national security.

CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, made the appeal during a condolence visit to Benue State on Tuesday.

Archbishop Okoh was represented by CAN Vice President, Reverend Stephen Baba, who led the delegation of Christian leaders.

The delegation visited Makurdi to sympathize with victims of the attacks and offer support to the state government.

Rev. Baba condemned the killings, describing the situation in Benue as alarming, tragic, and deeply disturbing.

He said the continuous bloodshed was unacceptable and required urgent action from the highest levels of government.

“We are deeply troubled by the loss of lives,” Rev. Baba stated during the visit.

He added that the government’s ability to stop the killings is now under serious test.

Rev. Baba emphasized the need for deliberate and sustained measures to restore peace and protect communities.

He noted that CAN was also providing relief materials to help displaced persons cope with their suffering.

The delegation’s humanitarian gesture aimed to support those who lost their homes and livelihoods due to the violence.

The team was received by the Deputy Governor of Benue State, Dr. Sam Ode, who represented Governor Hyacinth Alia.

Dr. Ode thanked the Christian leaders for their compassion and solidarity with the people of Benue.

He described the attacks as “asymmetric warfare,” where assailants strike and vanish, making defense extremely difficult.

Despite the challenges, he said the government would not surrender to the criminals disturbing the peace.

Dr. Ode revealed that President Tinubu had dispatched key security officials to Benue in recent weeks.

These included the National Security Adviser and the Chief of Naval Staff, sent to assess the situation.

He acknowledged the president’s efforts but insisted that more effective, lasting interventions were urgently needed.

Dr. Ode urged continued prayers from faith leaders as the state pursued peace and good governance.

CAN’s visit follows repeated calls by religious and civil bodies for action against the insecurity in Benue.

Over the years, Benue has suffered deadly attacks, displacing thousands and devastating entire communities.

The state remains one of the worst affected by violence linked to armed herders and criminal gangs.

Many residents now rely on humanitarian support, including from churches and relief organizations.

CAN’s intervention brought hope and encouragement to victims struggling to rebuild their lives.

At the end of the visit, both parties agreed on the need for unity, peace, and justice.

They reaffirmed their commitment to working together for the safety and welfare of the people.

The people of Benue welcomed the support, calling it timely and deeply appreciated.

CAN’s leadership expressed hope that their message would prompt swift action from the federal government.

The Christian body pledged continued advocacy until peace is restored in every troubled region of the country.

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