Christian Leaders in Nigerian State Urge Vigilance, Say “security is everybody’s business”

Taraba, 26 April, 2022 / 10:20 AM

Christian leaders in Nigeria’s Taraba State have called on the people of God in the region to take a proactive approach on matters pertaining to their security because “security is everybody’s business”.

The members of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) were reacting to the April 22 Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) blast in Jalingo, the capital of Taraba State in which at least nine people lost their lives. 

“It is high time that people should accord eminence to the security of their environment. They should stay away from unnecessary gatherings and step up serious security checks in official gatherings,” CAN chairperson in Jalingo State, Isaiah Jirapye, has been quoted as saying in an April 23 report. 

“If you see something, say something, security is everybody’s business,” Mr. Jirapye adds on behalf of the Christian entity that includes representatives of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of Nigeria (CBCN).

In the report, the Christian leaders in Taraba State say the Jalingo explosion “is evidence of the presence of bad elements and terrorists in the State.”

“It is satanic for anyone to carry a bomb or explosive device and detonate it among people to kill, it lamented,” CAN officials say. 

They add that the residents of Taraba State “must arise to see that the peace the State is enjoying is sustained and say no to blood thirsting terrorists who are bent on destabilizing the peace and unity of our dear State.” 

The Christian leaders say the Nigerian government lacks seriousness in fighting terrorism and only pay “lip service” to the matter. 

They call for concerted efforts between the federal government and traditional institutions to address insecurity in the West African nation.  

They say, “The Traditional institution is a fundamental organ in this fight. Government must synergize effectively with them to identify the hub of these terrorists among the people to immediately stop this trend of planting explosive devices in the State.”

CAN officials further urge the people of God in Taraba State not to despair but instead pray, confident that God will “definitely grant us victory on these challenges.”