By Citizenship Daily
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Jigawa state chapter, has condemned the recent extra judicial killing of the 16 hunters, all indigenes of Kano State at Uromi, of Edo State.
The condemnation was contained in a statement signed by the chairman Jigawa CAN chapter Rev. Fr. Maurice Kole Hassan and made available to news men in Dutse.
“The Christian Association of Nigeria, (CAN) Jigawa state chapter has condemned in strong term the extra judicial killing of the 16 innocent hunters from Kano, who were brutally murdered in a barbaric, unimaginable and horrible way on their way from Portharcourt at Uromi in Edo state”
According to the statement “This is a crime against humanity and natural justice, which violates their human rights and freedom of movement and association in any part of this country”.
“As Christians, we uphold and value every human life. We therefore sympathise with the families of the victims that were murdered and strongly call on both the government of Edo state and the Federal government of Nigeria to do all they can within their power to bring the perpetrators of this heinous and deplorable crime to book as this is capable of consuming this nation and undermining our national security if not checked”.
The chairman therefore congratulated the entire Muslims in the state and Nigeria on the ongoing Eid-el- Fitr celebration which brings the end of their 29 fasting of the holy month of Ramadan.
“On behalf of the Christian Association of Nigeria, Jigawa state chapter, I extend my heartfelt congratulations and felicitations to our Muslim brothers and sisters in the state on the occasion of Eid-el- Fitr”.
He maintained that “This festival marks the end of Ramadan, a sacred month in Islam of fasting, prayer and arms giving, the sacred values and principles we share together as Christians too. This should be the basis and foundation of our peaceful coexistence and unity in both the state and the nation at large”.
The CAN Chairman commended governor Malam Umar Namadi of the state for his care, generosity and inclusion to residents christians believers in the state, “this is bedrock for the existing peace, understanding and brotherhood between the Christians and Muslims in the state.
Hassan also called for prayer and calm during this moment of what he described as national trial and economic hardship amidst high level of insecurity, adding that “importance of promoting peace, harmony and peaceful coexistence among ethnic and religious groups can not be underestimated by anyone. But peace is impossible without justice”.
