The Taraba state chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), has called on the state government to make the security of the lives and properties of Christian clerics in the state a top priority.

Raising the alarm yesterday via a press statement made available to Journalists in Jalingo, the association, through its state chairman, Rev.(Dr.) Isaiah Jirapye felt sad that Christian clerics and their families are now soft targets of the kidnappers.

Reeling out the lists of clerics and their family members recently abducted in the state, the abductors, according to him, have made it clear that Christian clerics are now their targets.

Stating that “CAN Taraba state chapter is saddened with the nefarious activities of kidnappers which is targeted on Christian Clergymen and their families.”

Making references to the recently abducted clergy with ECWA church in Mile six, Jalingo and many other clerics, as well as the abduction of a Clergy with the Christian Reform Church-Nigeria (CRC-N) at Tudun Haske village in Donga Local Government area of the State alongside his family members and others, the kidnapper’s body language, he said indicates that they are now after clerics from the Christian faith.

Jirapye, who stated that “CAN is also worried that local Communities and villages are no longer safe as they are attacked frequently by these bad elements without caution and regard to humanity” said “this must not be allowed to continue to happen”.

Urging the government to also priotize the security of the local communities across the state, security presence, he said, should be felt at the local communities.

To actualize this, the people, as pointed out by CAN leadership, should support security agencies “with intelligence that will uncover the hide out of the criminals in their midst”.

Jirapyewho was of the opinion that the need for prayers for the mercy of God upon the land cannot be overemphasized, urged believers to raise family altars and cry to God for permanent solution to banditry and kidnapping in the state.
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