The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the 19 Northern states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has issued a passionate appeal to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, urging him to declare an all-out war against terrorist groups and violent criminal gangs wreaking havoc in parts of the country.
This call comes in the wake of fresh waves of brutal attacks that have claimed the lives of more than 100 innocent Nigerians in Benue and Borno states. In a statement released on Sunday by the association’s Secretary General, Elder Sunday Oibe, Northern CAN expressed deep concern over the alarming escalation of violence and the deteriorating security situation in the region.
According to the association, the persistent activities of Boko Haram insurgents, ISWAP fighters, and criminal herdsmen have left many communities in a state of fear and devastation, with lives lost, farmlands destroyed, and thousands displaced. CAN emphasized that the frequency and intensity of the attacks indicate that these criminal elements are far from being contained.
Citing specific incidents, Northern CAN lamented the most recent attacks in Benue State, where suspected herdsmen invaded Yelewata and Daudu communities in Guma Local Government Area on Saturday, June 13.
These assaults came barely 48 hours after a separate tragedy in Mtswenem and Akondotyough Bawa communities in Makurdi Local Government Area, where 25 people were gruesomely murdered.
“These brutal assaults resulted in a massive loss of life and the displacement of numerous families,” the statement read. “Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) and farmers were among those targeted, with disturbing reports that some victims were burnt alive inside makeshift shelters. The attackers, said to be heavily armed, stormed the communities around midnight and operated for more than two hours without any intervention.”
The association also referenced another chilling episode in Borno State, where suspected Boko Haram/ISWAP militants ambushed a convoy along the Gwoza-Limankara road.
The attack, which took place last week, led to the death of one person and the abduction of ten others, including Reverend Father Daniel Afina—a Catholic priest and project coordinator for a Christian NGO. The victims were returning from Mubi in Adamawa State when the terrorists struck.
While acknowledging that President Tinubu’s administration has made some initial gains in the fight against insecurity, CAN insisted that much more needs to be done. The association urged the federal government to intensify and broaden its efforts in dealing with violent non-state actors.
“We commend the initial progress made under the current administration, but we strongly urge that these gains be consolidated and aggressively expanded,” the statement said.
“It is time for the President to declare a total war against these criminals and mandate the security forces to neutralize the threats within a clearly defined and enforceable timeframe.”
Northern CAN warned that if Nigeria’s security agencies are overwhelmed by the magnitude of the crisis, the government should not hesitate to seek international support to end the carnage and rescue those still in captivity.
“The ongoing killings are not only unacceptable, but they also defy any sense of humanity. Even among animals, such relentless brutality is rare. Yet, in Nigeria, innocent people are being slaughtered repeatedly and senselessly,” the association stated.
“In Benue, for instance, thousands are displaced, and farmers can no longer safely access their land. This has serious implications for food security and national stability.”
The statement also called for stronger cooperation between local communities and security agencies. According to CAN, ending the bloodshed will require a united effort by all stakeholders, particularly the residents of affected areas such as Benue State.
“It is essential for the people of Benue to come together and work closely with security forces to bring an end to this cycle of violence. Likewise, the threat posed by Boko Haram and affiliated groups must be confronted with all seriousness to prevent further atrocities,” the group said.
Northern CAN emphasized that the sovereignty of Nigeria and the protection of its citizens must be treated as a top priority. The group demanded a swift and resolute response from the federal government, backed by the full weight of Nigeria’s security architecture.
“We urge the government to mobilize all necessary resources and demonstrate unwavering resolve to eradicate these threats without delay. The lives of innocent Nigerians and the future of our country depend on it,” the statement concluded.