The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has condemned the recent massacre in Benue State, which claimed over 200 lives, calling for immediate and decisive government action.
CAN President Archbishop Daniel Okoh issued a press statement on Monday expressing heartfelt condolences to the victims’ families and praying for the serenity of their souls.
“The Christian Association of Nigeria strongly condemns the horrific wave of violence that recently swept through Benue State, resulting in the tragic loss of over 200 lives in a series of coordinated attacks.
“These senseless killings have inflicted immeasurable pain on families, devastated communities, and further entrenched the insecurity threatening our nation.
“We extend our heartfelt condolences to the bereaved and pray for the peaceful repose of the departed souls,” the statement partly read.
Okoh voiced concern over what he described as recurring violence in Benue, with no meaningful justice or protection for victims, and urged the Federal Government to take quick action, including establishing a state of emergency in the most impacted areas.
“For too long, the people of Benue have been subjected to recurrent assaults, often blamed on armed groups, without meaningful intervention or justice.
“This persistent failure to safeguard citizens and bring perpetrators to account has emboldened attackers and prolonged the cycle of violence.
“CAN calls on the Federal Government to act with urgency and resolve.
“We demand the immediate deployment of reinforced security personnel to protect vulnerable communities and, if necessary, the declaration of a state of emergency in the most affected areas,” he said.
CAN also called for a transparent investigation into those responsible for the massacre while emphasising the need for justice and international support to break the “grip of impunity” fuelling the crisis.
The statement added, “We further insist on a thorough, transparent investigation and the swift prosecution of all those responsible.
“Justice must prevail to break the grip of impunity fuelling these atrocities.
“We also appeal to the international community to support efforts aimed at restoring peace and rebuilding trust in Benue State.
“The Christian Association of Nigeria remains unwavering in its commitment to defending the sanctity of life and advocating for the protection and dignity of all Nigerians.
“May peace be restored, and may justice roll down like waters.”
![Rev. Fr. Anthony Odiong, a US-based Nigerian Louisiana Catholic priest, was arrested in Florida on Tuesday for possessing child pornography, according to law authorities. The suspect is reportedly accused of many other cases of sexual assault. The Waco, Texas, Police Department announced in a Facebook post on Tuesday that officers detained Father Anthony Odiong in Ave Maria, Florida, with assistance from the United States Marshals Service. Waco police announced in March that they had received "credible information" about a sexual assault allegedly committed by Odiong in Texas in 2012. “During the subsequent investigation, a case of possession of child pornography was uncovered,” the police said. The priest was apprehended in Florida by the Caribbean Regional Fugitive Task Force. The Waco Police Department said that he will be extradited to Texas. Odiong had previously served in the Archdiocese of New Orleans before being removed as priest in December of last year due to controversy over homilies in which he claimed, among other things, that the Catholic Church was being taken over by "the gays." At the time, the priest was also accused of abusive behaviour; a Louisiana lady claimed in U.S. bankruptcy court that Odiong had committed both financial and sexual abuse against her. Prior to joining the New Orleans Archdiocese, Odiong served in at least two Texas parishes. On Tuesday, Waco police stated that during their sexual assault investigation, "the presence of other survivors was revealed." “Multiple women have come forward to tell similar experiences as the sexual assault survivor who reported the initial allegation,” the police department said. “Survivors’ experiences ranged from sexual assault and indecent assault, more commonly recognised as groping, and financial abuse, with some survivors experiencing every element of Anthony Odiong’s manipulation.” The police said they “believe there may be more survivors, and we wish to speak with anyone who [has] had similar encounters” with the priest. The Archdiocese of New Orleans issued a brief news release on Tuesday noting Odiong's arrest in Florida. The archdiocese “encourages anyone with any information to contact law enforcement,” the release said.](https://chronicle.ng/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/ezgif-6-4730550ede-450x300.jpg "Odiong: US-based Nigerian Catholic priest convicted over sexual assault")
