Church flays rising cases of trans border kidnapping in Taraba, Benue

The leadership of Christian Reformed Church-Nigeria (CRC-N) has urged governments of Taraba and Benue states to tackle the trans-border kidnappings across the areas.

The church made the call yesterday in a communiqué, after its 116th General Church Council meeting, in Takum Local Council Area of Taraba State.

It also implored the governments to fashion out ways to apprehend and prosecute perpetrators of the heinous crime. Decrying the spate of kidnapping along the border communities, the church urged youths from both states to embrace legitimate means of livelihood.

CRC-N said the government should “collaborate to apprehend and prosecute the perpetrators as that would serve as deterrent to hoodlums and prevent possible conflicts in the border communities of both states.”

The clergy warned the youths against “unwholesome acts, as that would only expose them to death, imprisonment, anarchy and curse from God.”The body appealed to Nigerians to intensify prayers and enlighten the people to come out en-mass to ensure peaceful elections next year.

While asking them to vote for candidates of their choice, it warned, “whosoever fails to vote should be blamed, if evil leaders emerge to govern them.”

The church also cautioned against the danger of selling voter’s cards and vote buying, stating it would amount to mortgaging “their conscience and the rights of future generation.”

The leadership admonished Nigerians, especially Christian to always endeavor to speak out against injustice.It condemned “knowing the truth and refusing to speak against it as injustice.”