CAN applying wisdom against insecurity in north during Christmas — Chairman

FILE: Christian Association of Nigeria's logo

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As the Christians around the world celebrated Christmas on Thursday, the Christian Association of Nigeria in the 19 states of Northern Nigeria said it had taken some measures to prevent insecurity against its members and the churches during the yuletide season.

The chairman of the 19 Northern States CAN, Rev. Joseph Hayab, stated this on Wednesday during a visit to the St. Francis Catholic Church, Owo, Ondo State, where some terrorists attacked the church and killed no fewer than 41 worshippers in June 2022.

It was reported that some suspects of the attack were arrested by the Department of State Security and are already facing trial at an Abuja High Court.

Hayab, who also distributed some food items to the victims of the church attack, noted that the church was applying wisdom to prevent insecurity against its members in the north.

He said, ” The Bible teaches us to apply wisdom in everything we do, and make good use of every opportunity. Considering the situation, we advise church leaders to know when to meet, how to meet, and ensure that they do not risk the lives of members.

“We are taking some security measures, but you see, we need to apply wisdom and help all the security agencies, because they too are human beings, they will not be everywhere, they cannot see everything. So if we apply wisdom, we are helping ourselves and helping our security agencies. So we are applying wisdom, and what is the wisdom, I don’t need to tell you now.”

On the food items distributed, the cleric disclosed that the beneficiaries were the victims of the Owo church attack, and the victims of communal violence are the Gbalegi Community in the Idanre Local Government Area of the state. He added that the initiative was sponsored by a foreign organization called Barnabas Aid UK.

“We are all aware of what happened some years back in this sacred church, where faithful came to worship, and gunmen or terrorists came and killed many of them. We’ve seen them, we’ve seen those whose legs were amputated, we’ve seen those who are completely paralyzed in their legs and other parts of their body. And you can see all of them. In our place (19 northern states), Barnabas Aid UK came to our aid and said, “Look, we want to do it for Christians in the world who are facing persecution, and for the vulnerable people.

“But we can extend it to one state in the south, and we know what happened there, so we added Ondo to those states so that we can come. To me, it’s a privilege to come and see this wonderful place. Unfortunately, not for a good reason, because they have suffered pains and are at peace.

” But that’s the story all over Nigeria. All we want to say today is that no Nigerian should be killed because of their identity, whatever identity you call it. Nigerians should be protected, Nigerians should be secured, and freely come to a place like this and serve God. Whether you are Muslim or Christian, your life is important to all of us,” he declared.

In his welcome address earlier, the Chairman of the Ondo State CAN, Rev. Fr. Anselm Ologunwa, commended the northern CAN for the gesture, saying it reflected that the Christians were united in one family.

The Catholic priest noted that the Owo’s incident was a microcosm of a nation wrestling with religious and communal tensions. He called on all Nigerians to be united against terrorism.

“It is a profound honor to welcome you to Owo to the very ground where, just a few years ago, worshippers of St. Francis Catholic Church were brutally massacred. Your presence here today is a powerful reminder that the body of Christ is one, and that the pain of one part of the nation is felt by all.

“Your visit, Rev. Hayab, and that of your cabinet from the 19 Northern States and the FCT, is a beacon of solidarity. It tells every Nigerian—whether in Owo, Idanre, Onitsha, Kaduna, or Lagos—that we stand together against hatred and division. It also tells the world that the Christian Association of Nigeria remains a united voice for peace, justice and reconciliation.

“Nigeria is at a crossroads. From Boko Haram’s insurgency to banditry, farmer‑herder clashes, and now localized communal conflicts, our people are weary. Yet in the midst of these challenges, we also witness God’s grace. The generous support extended by Rev. Joseph Hayab and his cabinet demonstrates a love that crosses geographic and religious lines. This act of solidarity feeds the hungry, restores dignity and reminds us that we are one family. Your visit stitches our torn communities back together. Your partnership shows that the global body of Christ cares deeply about humanity.”

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