The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has called on President Bola Tinubu to urgently address the ongoing violence and killings in Benue State, saying the federal government must rise to its constitutional duty of protecting citizens’ lives and property.
CAN made the call during a condolence visit to the government and people of Benue State following recent deadly attacks by suspected armed herdsmen. The association expressed deep concern that no lasting solution has yet been found to the crisis, which has led to widespread displacement and suffering.
Speaking in Makurdi on Tuesday, the Vice President of CAN, Reverend Stephen Baba, who represented CAN President Archbishop Daniel Okoh, urged President Tinubu to take decisive steps to stop the bloodshed and restore peace to the region.
“We are deeply concerned that no solution has been found to end the killings in Benue State,” Rev. Baba said. “We are calling on President Bola Tinubu to take deliberate and urgent action to stop the killings.”
The CAN leader added that the continued violence in Benue and other parts of the country is a test of the government’s ability and willingness to end insecurity and bring justice to affected communities.
As part of its support, the Christian delegation donated relief materials to internally displaced persons in the state, hoping to ease the hardship faced by families forced to flee their homes due to violence.
Benue State has for years been a hotspot of deadly clashes between armed herders and farming communities, leading to loss of lives, destruction of property, and large-scale displacement. Despite previous government interventions, including military operations and peace dialogues, attacks have continued sporadically.
Governor Hyacinth Alia, represented by his deputy, Dr. Sam Ode, received the CAN delegation and thanked them for their concern and solidarity.
“We appreciate your visit and the support you have shown to the people of Benue State,” Dr. Ode said. “We are facing an asymmetric form of warfare — the attackers strike and disappear without a trace. But we are determined not to surrender to criminals.”
The Governor disclosed that President Tinubu had shown concern by dispatching top security officials to the state in recent weeks, including the National Security Adviser (NSA) and the Chief of Naval Staff, to assess the situation and help improve security.
However, he stressed that much more needs to be done to address the root causes of the crisis and provide lasting security for communities across Benue.
“We call on Christian leaders and all people of faith to continue praying for the state as we work to provide effective and purposeful leadership during this challenging time,” Dr. Ode added.
CAN’s visit comes amid growing calls from civil society groups, religious organisations, and affected communities for stronger federal intervention to address insecurity not only in Benue but across Nigeria. Many citizens have expressed frustration over the slow pace of response and the recurring nature of attacks in several parts of the country.
As the federal government considers new strategies to tackle insecurity, the people of Benue and the wider Nigerian public are watching closely to see whether President Tinubu’s administration will bring a new approach and real change.
CAN, meanwhile, urged unity and resilience among the people, assuring that the church would continue to stand with those affected and advocate for peace and justice across the nation.
