EMMANUEL AWARI, Jalingo
The Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Taraba State chapter, Rev. Fr. Dr. Williams Awoshiri has urged Christians to get involved in both local and National politics.
Awoshiri stated this during a combined Easter service organized by CAN, Jalingo Chapter, held at the CAN Sectariate Jalingo.
He said, “Make sure you get your Permanent Voter’s Card, PVC to vote and be voted for. I urge you to get involved actively in both local and national politics.
“Christians wishing to contest for any political positions should not hesitate to do so; they should go ahead.”
Speaking on the security situation in the state, he said, “Security is everybody’s business; be careful with strange faces in your communities. Don’t take the laws into your hands, but report to law enforcement agencies for action.”
He strongly condemned the renewed wave of violent attacks on communities in Takum and Donga Local Government Areas of Taraba State, which had claimed many lives, pointing out that for long time some communities in the local governments had not experienced peace.
“Let us pray for them, for they are all Christians. Those in IDP camps need help; let us continue to help them.”
According to him, the sustained attacks have displaced many hundreds of thousands of people, mostly Christian farmers who have been forced to flee their homes and seek refuge in Peva and Amadu towns of Takum LGA.
The CAN Chairman acknowledges the efforts of the Taraba State Government, particularly the early deployment of security personnel to the Amadu axis, but expressed dismay that the deployment lasted only for a few days while the killings continue unabated.
“We therefore call for urgent and expanded deployment of security forces to the communities to end the circle of killings and displacement and give room for the people to return to their homes.
“This deployment should follow meaningful engagement and dialogue with relevant stakeholders to achieve lasting peace.
“The security gains recorded by the present administration across the state should not be allowed to be eroded by the continued killings and destruction in Southern Taraba,” he said.
The chairman reiterated that the persistent loss of innocent lives is unacceptable. “Should urgent and decisive steps not be taken to halt the killings and protect vulnerable communities in the coming days, the Association may be left with no option but to organise a peaceful protest to draw the attention of the national and international community to the ongoing killings in the area.
“We reaffirm our commitment to peace, justice, and the sanctity of human life, and we call on all authorities concerned to act swiftly and responsibly in the interest of the people,” he added.
In his remarks, the Secretary to the Government of the state, Barr. Timothy Kataps, appreciated CAN Jalingo chapter for organizing the service and urged Christians to continue praying for Governor Dr Abgu Kefas for him to succeed.
“By the grace of God, Taraba State will be peaceful,” he said.
Earlier, the CAN Chairman, Jalingo Chapter, Rev. Dr. Demas Sarki, commended the Taraba State Governor, Kefas for his notable strides in stabilizing the security architecture that has brought reassurance to the people.
“However, Your Excellency, while we express our appreciation, we are compelled by moral responsibility to highlight areas requiring urgent attention. The recent attack on the Chanchanji community, which resulted in the tragic loss of lives and destruction of property, is deeply concerning. We respectfully call for enhanced security measures and proactive intervention to prevent recurrence and restore public confidence.”
For a better society
Follow us across our platforms:
Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/championnewsonline/
Facebook – https://web.facebook.com/championnewsonline
LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/company/champion-newspapers-limited/
https://x.com/championnewsng/
You can also like and comment on our YouTube videos.
https://youtu.be/QIBfD1tT80w?si=R4Qf3so2LxYu3GC2
