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Christian Leaders in Nigeria’s Kaduna State Urge Immediate End to “new wave of killings”

Logo of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN)/ Credit: Courtesy Photo

Christian leaders in Nigeria’s Kaduna State under the auspices of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) are calling for an immediate end to the renewed cycle of killings, reportedly occasioned by the murder of a herder in the State. 

The herder was reportedly killed after an argument with some farmers over encroachment of animals. The herder was allegedly beheaded and his head taken away. Others who were grazing in the same area escaped with their animals.

“The development is tragic, therefore, CAN appeals to citizens and all stakeholders to join hands to bring to a stop this new wave of killings,” CAN Chairman in Kaduna State has been quoted as saying in a Wednesday, January 26 report. 

Pastor John Joseph Hayab adds, “This evil must stop now and those keeping quiet need to speak up forthwith.”

In the report, the Pastor who speaks on behalf of CAN members who includes representatives of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) says Christianity preaches against settling scores violently. 

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“Our faith and culture do not teach us a barbaric manner of settling conflicts," he says. 

For this reason, he calls on the people of God in Nigeria to "strengthen our love for one another and value the sanctity of human life.”

Pastor Hayab described Kaduna as a State that is "grappling with killings at every slightest provocation" and cautioned the people against passing violent traits to the next generation saying, "The present generation cannot pass this type of record to the next."

In September last year, the Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW) described Kaduna State as the "epicenter of kidnapping and banditry activity" in Nigeria. 

According to the Christian organization that advocates for religious freedom in the world, the Nigerian State continues to experience alarming levels of violence despite being the headquarters of 11 military installations.

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Statistics released by TheCable Index earlier this year indicated that Kaduna State was among Nigerian States with the highest number of reported deaths in 2021.

In the January 26 report, Pastor Hayab emphasizes on the need to respect human life saying, "All must resolve that no life should be sacrificed from now henceforth in the state irrespective of the identity of victims."

The CAN official assures the people of Kaduna that members of the Christian entity are willing to work with "all peace-loving individuals, groups and organizations to bring back the lost glory of Kaduna State and uphold the sanctity of human life in every part of the country."

Magdalene Kahiu is a Kenyan journalist with passion in Church communication. She holds a Degree in Social Communications from the Catholic University of Eastern Africa (CUEA). Currently, she works as a journalist for ACI Africa.