Defend yourselves, Northern CAN tells members

The Christian Association of Nigeria has said Christians in the northern part of the country must take proactive steps to defend themselves against persistent attacks.

The declaration followed the Palm Sunday attack on Angwan Rukuba community in Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State.

The incident, which occurred around 8pm, left more than 20 people dead and several others injured.

Following the attack, the Defence Headquarters placed troops on nationwide alert ahead of the Easter celebrations, assuring Nigerians of tightened security.

Addressing journalists during the end-of-the-month briefing on Tuesday in Abuja, the Director, Defence Media Operations, Maj Gen Michael Onoja, assured citizens of heightened vigilance by troops during the Easter celebrations.

But speaking to The Punch, the Chairman of CAN in the 19 northern states and the Federal Capital Territory, Joseph Hayab, said despite the wave of killings and persistent security challenges, the Christian community would not give in to fear.

“These killers are not spirits. These killers are human beings; they may have got some upper hand, but when our people really organise themselves, a time will come when you see that the person who is chasing you, you are chasing him back.

“Unless and until all of us start organising ourselves to chase those who have been chasing us, they will torment us for the next 200 years. If we are no longer afraid of our attackers, what have we done? Have we been able to defend ourselves? Must we say we are defending ourselves since we are not afraid of the attackers?

“Since 2009 till today, they have been tormenting us every time it is Easter and Christmas; they will deny us the joy of celebrating. They (terrorists) are telling us that they will attack us. What kind of a thing is that? So, should we stop everything and go into hiding? No, every church leader should tell his members that enough is enough of this rubbish,” Hayab said.

When asked if CAN would advise members to carry arms, Hayab said the group would not disclose all its strategies.

“If we start telling everything we know, we will just help the enemy of the church to triumph. But what we are simply saying is that we are not happy with the killings, but we will not allow the killers to intimidate us and stop us from celebrating Easter the way it should be celebrated.

“We are angry with the killings; we are angry with the inability of government and security services to stop the killings, but we are also calling on Christians not to be deterred because this whole war is psychological. By the time we give in and stop doing what we’re supposed to do spiritually, they have succeeded in what they want to do.

“Do you know why they are attacking places of worship? It is so that we will stop going to places of worship, and we’ll stop doing what we are doing. So, as leaders, if we don’t tell our people and encourage them to stand firm, we’re giving in to a cheap blackmailer.”

Hayab said the wave of killings and violence, particularly around the Easter period, was deeply troubling but would not break the resolve of the Christian community.

He lamented that the continued violence had become overwhelming, especially as believers prepare for Easter celebrations.

He noted that many Nigerians were beginning to lose faith in official assurances, describing the situation as a serious test for the government.