The Niger State Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, has condemned the recent attack allegedly perpetrated by some Muslim youths in Suleja, Niger State.
Recall that some youths had on July 15, 2016 vandalised St. Philip’s Catholic Church, Barkin-iku in Suleja Niger State.
Responding to the alleged attack, Chairman of CAN in the state, Rev. Mathias Echioda, described the attack as unacceptable, stressing that the refusal of Christians to launch a reprisal attack should not be seen as weakness.
Echioda, called for those behind the attack to be arrested and be made to pay for the destruction, Punch reports.
According to Echioda, “The fact that Christianity has always been known as a peace-loving and peace-promoting faith should, however, not be taken for a weakness. Christians are not fools.
“We commend the CAN leaders in Suleja for restraining Christian youths from carrying out a reprisal against the Muslims. We commend the Niger State Government for outrightly condemning the barbaric act and for directing that the attack be investigated and that the culprits be brought to book.
“We also commend security agencies, the Chairman of the Suleja Local Government Council, and the traditional rulers for mediating in the crisis.
“Let this be a warning that Christians will not fold their hands; we shall protect and defend our fundamental and constitutional rights. Niger State and Nigeria belong to all of us.”
Echioda’s reaction is coming at the heels of a statement credited to the Sultan of Sokoto, Sa’ad Abubakar who urged Muslims to fight those who attempt to stand against them from carrying out their religious obligation.
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