Daniel Okoh, an Archbishop and the national President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), has described the recent attacks in Bokkos and Bassa Local Government Areas of Plateau State as “premeditated vicious acts of genocide” against indigenous Christian communities.
Okoh stated this on Thursday in Jos, during CAN’s distribution of relief materials to victims of the recent attacks in Plateau state.
Represented by Stephen Baba Panya, the vice president of CAN, Okoh extended the association’s condolences to families affected by the attacks and expressed unwavering solidarity with the people of Plateau State.
He emphasised that the body of Christ and God Almighty stand with the grieving communities, assuring them they are not alone in their pain and loss.
“We are here on behalf of the President and the entire leadership of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) to stand in solidarity with the people and government of Plateau State, especially the communities and families of those affected directly in Bokkos and Bassa Local Government Areas of the state.
To say the least, these recent attacks indicate the highest level of inhumanity to humans expressed by the terrorists. We convey our deepest condolences to each and every one who is affected in one way or the other”.
The CAN president praised both President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Caleb Mutfwang for steps taken so far but called on the Federal Government to intensify efforts in ensuring a lasting solution to the ongoing violence.
He decried the continuous narrative labeling terrorist attacks as communal clashes, urging the government to acknowledge the true nature of the crisis.
“What is happening is not a communal misunderstanding. These are coordinated, evil attacks by heartless terrorists. Let us call a spade a spade,” he declared.
The CAN President lamented the growing state of insecurity in Nigeria, where criminal elements operate freely while innocent citizens face repeated violence.
He warned that unless deliberate and decisive action is taken by the government, the future remains bleak for many communities under siege.
He called on security agencies to be more proactive in arresting the attackers and bringing them to justice, quoting Ecclesiastes 8:11.
“The relief materials we are presenting to you today which is made up of building materials, food stuffs and toiletries Is not enough to handle the enormous needs and challenges of your communities but it is an expression of our deepest concern, genuine love and care for you”; he said.
Receiving the items on behalf of the Plateau state chapter of CAN, for onward distribution to the victims, Polycap Lubo, a Reverend Father and the CAN chairman of plateau State expressed gratitude to the national leadership of the association.
He stated that the relief materials, which included building materials, foodstuffs, and toiletries, would go a long way in alleviating the suffering of displaced persons in the affected communities.
