Rev. Joseph Hayab, the Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, in Kaduna State, has said that within the past 4 years, bandits have killed 23 pastors and shut down 200 churches across Kaduna State.
Hayab disclosed this in Kaduna yesterday during a meeting with the Commissioner of Police, CP Musa Garba, and pastors from different church denominations from the 23 Local Government Areas of the state.
The cleric explained that the church had gone through difficult times as a result of the activities of criminal elements in the state.
“A pastor who was kidnapped on August 8, 2023, told the CAN leadership that there are over 215 Christians abducted by the bandits in Birnin Gwani forest. They are still there, and the pastor told us that the bandits asked him to lead prayers for the 215 Christians while he was in their den.
“We are calling on the CP to look into this issue, among many others, holistically to build the confidence of the people once again,” he said.
Rev. Dr. Yunusa Nmadu Jr., former Secretary General of the Evangelical Church Winning All, (ECWA), worldwide, and other pastors who spoke at the gathering requested the Commissioner to also consider prosecuting pastors and imams who engaged in hate sermons and speeches.
They urged the CP to investigate cases of people peddling hard drugs, claiming that most criminal activities were conducted while under the influence of hard drugs.
In his comments, the CP advised the pastors that criminality had no religion and that anyone who committed a criminal act should be addressed as a criminal rather than as a Christian, Muslim, or by tribe or nationality.
According to him, “Security is the responsibility of all and not only that of the government. While the government takes the lead in the protection of lives and property, individuals are also expected to play their part, particularly in the area of providing information.
“The meeting was basically to strengthen relationships between the police and religious leaders, listen to their challenges, and together foster possible solutions. The police force under my leadership in the state will do its very best in the discharge of our duties. We should all be our brother’s keepers.
“Always reach out to security personnel around your communities with prompt information once you identify suspicious persons.”
