The Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the 19 Northern states and the Federal Capital Territory, Reverend John Joseph Hayab, has called on the federal government and security agencies to maintain their efforts in combating banditry and kidnapping, emphasizing that recent gains in security must not be reversed.

Hayab made the remarks at the ordination ceremony of 37 pastors by the Kaduna Baptist Conference, held over the weekend in Kaduna. He noted that Kaduna State has seen relative improvement in security over the past two years, with no reported kidnappings of clergy. However, he cautioned that isolated incidents in Kauru and Kudan local government areas indicate the fight against insecurity is ongoing.

“Our prayer is that insecurity has changed its face in Kaduna State. We believe that none of these newly ordained pastors will be kidnapped, but government must not go to sleep until the last bandit is arrested,” Hayab said. He added, “Security of lives and property is the government’s primary duty, and we commend the governor and security agencies but urge them to do more until violence, kidnapping and killings are completely eradicated.”

Addressing the newly ordained ministers, Hayab stressed the role of clergy in moral and political renewal, urging them to preach courageously and rebuke wrongdoing. “Go and preach liberation for souls, justice among men, righteousness in the nation. If our pastors preach truth and rebuke sin like Nathan rebuked David, then society will raise responsible leaders who will not misbehave in public office,” he said.

Reverend Yusuf Gwadah, Chairman of the Nigerian Baptist Convention, described the ordination as “a unique success,” while Reverend Ishaya Adamu Jangado, president of the Baptist Conference, explained that ordination confers full ministerial authority, with the primary mandate of preaching salvation that transforms society.

Reverend Dr. Manasseh Haruna Panpe, Acting President of the Baptist Theological Seminary Kaduna, reminded the new pastors that they are “ambassadors of Christ” and urged them to serve patiently and faithfully in a nation seeking moral rebirth.

One of the newly ordained, Reverend Job Olatunbosun Yusuf of Calvary Baptist Church, Samaru-Zaria, emphasized the importance of integrity in ministry. “We are called to lead society, not follow it into corruption.

Even if government is not doing the right thing, ministers of the gospel must speak the truth,” he said.

The ordination ceremony, attended by hundreds of worshippers and church leaders, concluded with the laying on of hands, officially releasing the 37 candidates into full-time ministry with a charge to defend truth, justice, and national renewal.