Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, Benue State chapter has distanced itself from the call for emergency rule or support for the removal of Governor Hyacinth Alia, saying it does not represent the majority opinion of the group.
Vice Chairman, CAN in Benue State, Reverend Jonathan Ugbede, who was reacting to the purported call during a prayer summit held in Makurdi to seek God’s intervention over renewed attacks and killing of thousands of innocent farmers, destruction of property and displacement of thousands, however, lauded the governor for his proactive approach to issues of insecurity.
He noted with satisfaction, the establishment of Operation Anyam-Nyor and other efforts, saying they are a demonstration of the governor’s commitment to tackle security in the state.
Ugbede assured that CAN will remain supportive and prayerful for the governor to surmount the current security challenges, appealing to Benue people to support the present administration to succeed.
He lamented that a lot of people have lost their lives, while those alive have lost their means of livelihood as a result of herders invasion, a development that has continued unabated.
The vice chairman revealed that some communities in Logo, Kwande, Ukum, Agatu, Apa, Gwer-West, Guma, Makurdi and Gwer East Local Government Areas were grossly affected.
He equally expressed worry why some youths would allegedly support the killing of their brothers by identifying with the herders to cause mayhem and prayed to God to save Benue people from the cruel hands of herdsmen.
Ugbede appealed to all Christians in the state to join in offering relentless prayers for God to intervene in the situation.
He sued for unity and peace, appealing particularly to youths to engage themselves in useful ventures that would make them relevant to the society, as well as support the governor to continue his people-oriented projects.
In a message, the immediate past Chairman of CAN, Augustine Akpen Leva told Christians that only God would save them and appealed to the people to leave their evil ways and come to God with a show of remorse and he would save the land.
Dr Leva, who noted that it was not too late for the people to return to God, insisted that they should embrace the virtues of love, unity and avoid everything that is capable of dividing them and bringing disunity, as well as hatred in the society.
The prayer summit was organised throughout the state, as local government coordinators of CAN also organised the summit in their various areas.
