Herdsmen Have Destroyed 500 Churches In Benue – CAN

Herdsman picture used to illustrate the story (File Photo)

The Benue State chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), has claimed no fewer than 500 churches have been destroyed in the state since the attacks by gun wielding herdsmen started.

Chairman of the Benue state CAN, Rev. Akpen Leva, made the claims on Monday while speaking in Makurdi, the state capital.

He alleged that the crisis which started since 2011 has resulted in the displacement of many worshipers irrespective of denominational affiliation.

He said, “The destruction cuts across Catholic, Pentecostal, NKST, Anglican and several other churches located in areas affected by the crisis.

“The level of destruction is actually worrisome and that is the more reason why there is every need for the Federal Government to consider availing these churches some form of compensation, so that we can rebuild the effected structures and also effect repairs on others.

“Majority of those affected in the crisis are Christians, which means that the Church also carries the burden of contributing its widow’s mite to the upkeep of the close to 170,000 persons displaced in the state as a result of the crisis.

“The situation in Benue State at the moment is pathetic; the state government has been overwhelmed because of the magnitude of the devastation and the number of the displaced.

“There is certainly no way a state government can cope with the kind of number of IDPs the government is catering for at the moment.”

Naija News reports that President Muhammadu Buhari has ordered the Inspector General of Police, Ibrahim Idris to give a full report on the situation in Benue after allegations emerged that Idris disobeyed a presidential order to relocate to Benue to tackle the killings.