Northern CAN greets Muslims on Eid-el-Fitr, condemns brutal killings of 16 travellers

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), 19 Northern States and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has condemned in the strongest tone, the unconscionable killing of 16 travellers in Utomi, Edo State.

In a statement on Sunday to felicitate with Muslims in Nigeria and across the world on the successful completion of Ramadan and the celebration of Eid-el-Fitr, the Christian umbrella body said the killings was an attack on our humanity.

The statement, signed by the chairman of the organisation, Rev. John Joseph Hayab, and Secretary-General, Bishop Mohammed Naga also appealed to those calling for counter-reaction to reconsider their actions as revenge is not a solution.

The statement reads: “The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), 19 Northern States and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), felicitates with Muslims in Nigeria and across the world on the successful completion of Ramadan and the celebration of Eid-el-Fitr.

“These spiritual activities are significant and rewarding to every faithful, especially those who embrace the teachings as instructed in the Holy Books.

“CAN also expresses grief and sorrow as we mourn the killing of 16 travelers in Uromi, Edo State. The pain and anguish their families and loved ones must endure are unbearable, and we can only imagine the depth of their suffering. May God grant them comfort, strength, and solace during this darkest of times.This heinous act of violence is a stain on our collective humanity, and CAN condemns it in the strongest terms.

“The brutal taking of innocent lives is a tragedy that should unite us all in our outrage and our determination to ensure that justice is served. As Christians, we stand in solidarity with their families, recognizing that this act of violence is not only an attack on any region but on our shared humanity.In this moment of unimaginable pain, we pray for peace and calm to be restored and for an end to violence and bloodshed in our nation.

“We pray for the healing of our land, for the rebuilding of trust and understanding between people of different faiths, and for the protection of all Nigerians from harm. We weep with you, we mourn with you, and we pray with you for an end to this senseless violence.

“To the immediate families and relatives of the victims, we extend our deepest and most heartfelt condolences. We can only imagine the depth of your pain and grief, and we pray that God grants you the strength and courage to bear this unbearable loss. May the memories of your loved ones be a blessing to you, and may their sacrifice not be in vain.

“As we mourn the loss of these innocent lives, we appeal to those who are calling for counter-reaction to reconsider their actions. Revenge is not a solution but a recipe for further chaos and destruction. It is the innocent who will suffer again, and the cycle of violence will only continue to worsen.

“Furthermore, we condemn the stereotypes and generalizations that seek to demonize Nigerians based on the actions of a few. Nigerians must rise in unison to reject such stereotypes and generalizations, whether based on religious, ethnic, or regional grounds. Evil is evil, and criminals must be treated as such without recourse to identities that criminals use to evade justice. Such divisive rhetoric only serves to fuel further violence and mistrust. Instead, we must work towards a future where every Nigerian can live without fear of violence or persecution, regardless of their location within the federation.

“Finally, we task the security agencies, the government of Edo State, and the Federal Government to ensure diligence in investigating this heinous crime and prosecuting those involved. It is crucial that they take immediate and transparent action to bring the perpetrators to justice. As we move forward, we urge all Nigerians to join us in this pursuit of peace, justice, and harmony.

“In conclusion, we firmly believe that strengthening our justice system to ensure swift and fair punishment for perpetrators of crime is essential for lasting peace in our nation. By doing so, we can break the cycle of violence and create a safer, more just society for all Nigerians.”