By Godwin Agia, Jalingo
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Taraba State Chapter, has called for more proactive strategies to end the ongoing violence and bloodshed in southern Taraba, particularly in Takum and Donga LGAs.
The Association condemned what it described as, “continue bloodshed”, in Takum and Donga LGAs, stating that no meaningful development can take place in an atmosphere of fear, violence, and instability.
This is just as it called on citizens not to lose hope, that Taraba State shall rise above its challenges, as Christ rose from the dead, bringing new life and renewed hope to the world.
The CAN chairman, Very Rev. Fr. Dr. Williams Peter Awoshiri, made the condemnation in a Easter message on Sunday, emphasis that the continuous shedding of innocent blood was both tragic and unacceptable; and is a direct contradiction to the will of God, who values every human life.
“It is with a deeply burdened heart that I address the unfortunate and painful realities confronting parts of our dear State. We strongly and unequivocally condemn the ongoing violence, killings, and destruction of lives and properties in Southern Taraba, particularly in Takum and Donga Local Government Areas.
“The continuous shedding of innocent blood is both tragic and unacceptable. It is a direct contradiction to the will of God, who values every human life and calls us to live in peace with one another.” CAN condemned.
The christian association urged that all forms of aggression, retaliation, and lawlessness should cease, and allow dialogue, understanding, and justice to prevail.
“No meaningful development can take place in an atmosphere of fear, violence, and instability. Therefore, all forms of aggression, retaliation, and lawlessness must cease. Dialogue, understanding, and justice must prevail over conflict and violence”. The statement continued.
CAN acknowledge and commend the efforts of the Government, Security Forces, and the local vigilante groups who have continued to make sacrifices in their attempts to restore order and peace in the affected areas.
“We acknowledge and commend the efforts of the Government, our gallant Security Forces, and the local vigilante groups who have continued to make sacrifices in their attempts to restore order and peace in the affected areas. Their courage and dedication are not unnoticed. However, given the persistence of these challenges, we respectfully urge that more proactive, strategic, and sustained measures be implemented to decisively end the bloodshed and ensure lasting peace and security for all communities”. It encourage.
The association appealed to individuals, faith-based organizations, corporate bodies, and all well-meaning Nigerians to extend generous support to those who have been displaced by the crises.
“In the spirit of Easter, which calls us to love and compassion, I appeal to individuals, faith-based organizations, corporate bodies, and all well-meaning Nigerians to extend generous support to our brothers and sisters who have been displaced by these crises. The Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) are in urgent need of assistance. Let us come together to provide food, medicine, clothing, shelter materials, bedding, and other essential supplies. In doing so, we become true ambassadors of Christ, fulfilling his command to care for the needy and vulnerable among us”. It appealed
The CAN Taraba state chapter also sympathized with families who lost their loved ones, and those who sustained injuries as a result of the attacks.
“To those who have sustained injuries as a result of these unfortunate events, we extend our deepest sympathies. We pray that the healing power of God will rest upon you, granting you strength, restoration, and complete recovery in body, mind, and spirit.
“To the families who have lost their loved ones, we share in your grief and sorrow. Words may not be sufficient to express the depth of our condolences, but we stand with you in prayer and solidarity. May the God of all comfort console your hearts, grant you peace in your pain, and uphold you in this difficult time.
“Beloved, even in the face of these trials, Easter reminds us that hope must never be lost. Just as Christ rose from the dead, bringing new life and renewed hope to the world. We firmly believe that Taraba State shall rise above its challenges. Peace shall be restored, wounds shall be healed, and our land shall experience renewal, unity, and progress.
“Let this Easter mark a turning point, a season of reconciliation, healing, and transformation for our State and our nation at large”. CAN condole
It called on Christians, people of goodwill irrespective of religious or ethnic backgrounds across Taraba state to embrace peaceful coexistence, mutual respect, tolerance, and unity, urging that people’s diversity should never be a source of division or conflict, but rather a strength that enriches collective existence.
