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CAN Pleads With US, UN, Over Persecution Of Christians In The North

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The United Nations, the United States and the United Kingdom have been called on by the Christian Association of Nigeria to help the Federal Government to secure the lives of Nigerians.

The Christian Association while speaking on the insecurity challenges within the country noted that it has lost confidence in the country to protect the lives and properties of its citizens.

CAN further state that the persecution of Christians in the North has attracted concern as the country’s security system has run out of ideas in dealing with terrorist activities in the country.

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The President of the Christian body, Rev. Dr Samson Ayokunle who released a statement through his media aide, Bayo Oladeji, called on the developed countries with resources to fight against insecurity to come to the aide of Nigeria before the situation gets out of hand.

CAN pointed to the persecution of Christians in the North by Boko Haram insurgents and Islamic State West Africa Province fighters.

The statement reads, “CAN Chairman in Michika, Adamawa state, Rev Lawan Andimi, was abducted by Boko Haram terrorists some days back when they invaded the predominantly Christian community. Although, we were told that troops repelled the terrorists but not until they had successfully forced Rev Andimi into their Toyota Hilux and took him away.”

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“The innocent cleric, in a video footage released by his captors, has been making appeal to the federal government, the Adamawa state governor, Ahmadu Umar Fintri, and the leadership of CAN to come to his aid.”

“As if that was not enough, there was a bandit attack on Kasaya village, another Christian community in Chikun local government area of Kaduna state on Monday about 6:30 am. The attackers were said to have abducted 41 people, including a Pastor, Rev Joshua Samaila. But up till now, nobody knows what has become of them.”

“Similarly, on 27th November, 2019, Mr. Bitrus Bwala, a principal lecturer at the College of Education, Gashua, Yobe state, and 10 others, who are all Christians, were abducted by Boko Haram terrorists. Bwala in a short video released recently cried out for help. But up till now, the government is yet to secure their freedom or say anything about them.”

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“These are all evidences of Christian persecution in the country, and when we cried out in support of the position of the US government, some people would say it was untrue. If criminals are invading Christian communities, killing and abducting people unchallenged, what do we call it if not deliberate persecution?”

“How many terrorists, Fulani herdsmen ‘killers’ and bandits are in the custody of the security agencies? How many of them have been arraigned in court?”

CAN called on the federal government and security agencies in the country to secure the release of kidnapped victims.

The Christain body also requested for improved security at the affected Christian communities.

Ayokunle added that Christians are praying for individuals facing religious persecution and God who delivered the people of Israel from the Egyptian bondage will deliver them.