The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), comprising the 19 Northern States and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has expressed concern and sorrow over the gruesome killing of more than 200 persons in an attack on Yelewata community, in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State.

According to Northern CAN, the senseless massacre, among the deadliest in recent memory, is a painful addition to the relentless cycle of bloodshed in the region.

In a statement on Tuesday, the Chairman, Northern CAN, Reverend Joseph Hayab, said, “While we acknowledge the efforts of security agencies, the frequency and scale of these attacks call for a more proactive, coordinated, and intelligence-driven security response.”

He lamented that “within just a few weeks, other communities, including those in Gwer West, Apa, Agatu, and surrounding areas, have witnessed similar atrocities, leading to the displacement of over 6,500 individuals and worsening the humanitarian situation.”

“CAN is particularly alarmed that the continued violence in Benue – a state renowned for its agricultural productivity, now threatens not only lives and livelihoods, but also national food security. We, therefore, urge the Federal Government and relevant security agencies to take swift and decisive action to forestall further tragedies,” Hayab said.

He further stated, “It is imperative to clarify that these attacks should not be casually dismissed or mischaracterised as farmer-herder clashes, as many of the victims were innocent civilians, including women, children, clergy, attacked in their homes, or while returning from local markets. The pattern of attack necessitates thorough investigations and urgent intervention.”

He said, “As President Bola Ahmed Tinubu prepares to visit Benue State tomorrow, we respectfully make the following appeals to the Federal Government to scale up security operations in all vulnerable areas of Benue State, with enhanced intelligence gathering, functional early warning systems, and rapid deployment of personnel.”

Hayab also made the following suggestions: “To traditional and community leaders: Collaborate actively to foster peaceful coexistence, ensure communal vigilance, and prevent further attacks,

“To humanitarian agencies and development partners: Intensify support to the displaced, particularly women, children, and the elderly, who are in desperate need of shelter, medical care, and food;

“On Compensation: The federal and state governments should consider prompt compensation for affected families, including those whose homes, properties, and stored food supplies were destroyed.:

The Northern CAN extended its condolences to the Executive Governor of Benue State, Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Alia; the Tor Tiv, His Royal Majesty, Prof. James Ayatse; the Ochi’Idoma, His Royal Majesty, Agabaidu Elaigwu Odogbo Obagaji John; the leadership of the Tiv and Idoma nations; other traditional rulers; and all the people of Benue State.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the victims and all those displaced and traumatised by these repeated acts of violence,” Hayab added.