CAN youths warn government, urge trial of Christians’ killers

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Youth Wing has urged the Federal Government to arrest and prosecute all those involved in the heinous crimes of attacks against Christians in the country.

President of the CAN Youth Wing, Daniel Kadzai, who spoke on incessant slaying of Christians in the North as witnessed on Monday, August 21, 2016 at Talata Mafara in Zamfara State over alleged blasphemy by a student, said the killing has again confirmed the fears over the insecurity of Christians in Nigeria.

He said: “The killing of Christians either by Muslim terrorists, Fulani herdsmen or Muslim groups under slight provocation is no longer acceptable to Christian youths and Christians in Nigeria. Our restrain, despite several provocations, should not be taken for granted.

“While appreciating the effort of the good Muslim who tried saving one of the victims, we call on all peace-loving Muslims to protect Christians as ours is to promote love by loving our neighbours as well as love those who hate us.

“Our faith in the security organisations to protect Nigerians is fast-waning. We demand that the Federal Government directs its security operatives to arrest and prosecute all those involved in the heinous crimes of attacks against Christians.”

“We cannot accept the situation where the crime that followed a sequence or well-orchestrated can be termed a mob action simply to cover up perpetrators. It is obvious that the Federal Government or some security agencies choose to look the other side when it comes to the matter of religion when the other side is the victim.

“We cannot accept where Nigeria that is practising federal democracy is operating a dual constitution – the Nigerian constitution and the Sharia Islamic code – in some states concurrently. These give room for persecution and outright killing of Christians in Nigeria.

“We believe that the rule of law and social justice cannot be obtained in a country with duality of constitution like Nigeria. We categorically demand that no Nigerian should henceforth be persecuted for converting to Christianity or any other religion; this is in accordance with the constitution where one has a choice of religion.

“We also demand that no Nigerian should henceforth be persecuted, attacked or killed for blasphemy.

“Government must bring the perpetrators to justice and go beyond calling for a security meeting, imposing curfew, press statements and the usual compensation to family of victims.”