The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), 19 Northern States and the Federal Capital Territory, has extended warm congratulations to Muslims across the country on the successful completion of Ramadan and the celebration of Eid-el-Fitr.
In a statement released in Kaduna by its Chairman, Rev. John Hayab, and Secretary-General, Bishop Mohammed Naga, Northern CAN acknowledged the spiritual importance of Ramadan, describing it as a period of profound devotion and personal reflection.
“The spiritual activities are significant and rewarding to every faithful, especially those who embrace the teachings as instructed in the Holy Books,”; the statement read.
The association also expressed deep grief over the recent killing of 16 travelers in Uromi, Edo State, describing the incident as a tragic loss to humanity.
“The pain and anguish their families and loved ones must endure are unbearable, and we can only imagine the depth of their sufferings. May God grant them comfort, strength, and solace during this darkest of times,”; Northern CAN said.
Labeling the attack as a “heinous act of violence,”; the group called for justice, emphasizing that the incident is a stain on humanity’s collective conscience.
“The brutal taking of innocent lives is a tragedy that should unite us all in our outrage and determination to ensure that justice is served,”; it stated.
Northern CAN urged Nigerians to view the attack as an affront to shared humanity, stressing solidarity with the victims’ families.
“As Christians, we stand in solidarity with their families, recognizing that this act of violence is not only an attack on any region but on our shared humanity,”; the statement noted.
The group appealed for peace amid rising tensions, urging those considering retaliation to seek alternative, non-violent solutions.
“Revenge is not a solution but a recipe for further chaos and destruction. It is the innocent who would suffer again, and the cycle of violence would only worsen,”; CAN warned.
Additionally, the association condemned the use of stereotypes and divisive rhetoric to justify criminal acts, urging Nigerians to reject narratives that perpetuate mistrust and violence.
“Evil is evil, and criminals must be treated as such without recourse to identities that criminals use to evade justice,”; the statement concluded.
