Victor Ezeja
Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Kaduna State chapter has condemned the horrendous attack on a Kaduna-bound train on Monday night which led to death of eight persons and many injured and missing.
In a statement on Wednesday, the CAN Chairman, in the state, Reverend Joseph Hayab, sympatised with victims of the attack and their families.
Hayab who is also the vice chairman of CAN in Northern states and Abuja, said it was unfortunate that the state where huge security votes were expended monthly, has been turned into a mourning state almost on daily basis as a result of banditry attacks.
Join our WhatsApp Channel“The Christian Association of Nigeria, Kaduna State Chapter, mourns those who died in the Abuja-Kaduna train attack incident on Monday 28th March.
“Sadly, mourning is now an everyday ordeal in Kaduna even though we have a sitting government with huge security votes disbursed monthly. Besides, the train attack further amplifies the vulnerability Kaduna people and everyone who does business in the state face due to the rise in banditry and terrorism,” Hayab stated.
The cleric said residents of the state now live in fear as a result of attacks by the dreaded terrorists who continues to demonstrate more audacity in their acts with the government seemingly appearing to be unable to contain their excesses.
“Even though banditry is a heinous crime, the bandits appear to have evolved an extended network for intelligence gathering and planning on how to fulfil their mission of terrorising innocent citizens. On the contrary, the resilience of the government and her intelligence gathering happens to be more about settling scores with perceived foes,” the statement added.
The Kaduna CAN chairman called on the government both Federal and State, levels to do everything possible to tackle the menace of insecurity so that peace and normalcy can return to the the state.
The cleric enjoined Christians as well as people of goodwill to pray fervently for the restoration of peace in the state.
“ CAN calls on the Federal Government to deploy everything at her disposal to crush the bandits who have had a field day in Kaduna and elsewhere in Nigeria, bringing grieving for the kidnapped or killed to a complete stop.
“On the other hand, we appeal to the security agencies to employ innovative professional strategies for dealing with the situation and repudiate any political interference in security matters. A nation where mourning has become an everyday ordeal cannot be productive because a heart that mourns becomes fragile, unable to think, plan or organise well.
“CAN also calls on all Christians and people of goodwill in Kaduna State to continue to pray and do the needful for peace to reign.
“Meanwhile, our hearts and prayers are with the bereaved families as we pray for God’s comfort. And to those who sustained injuries, we pray for a quick recovery.”
Victor Ezeja is a passionate journalist with seven years of experience writing on economy, politics and energy. He holds a Master's degree in Mass Communication.
