• Pope urges freeing of hostages, worries over Gaza siege
Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has said Nigeria “must resist temptation” to allow the Israel-Hamas conflict “deepen divisions or inflame religious tension” within the country.

This was as Pope Francis called for immediate release of hostages taken in the fight and expressed concern over the siege on Gaza.

“I ask that the hostages be released immediately,” the 86-year-old head of the Catholic Church said at the end of his weekly audience at the Vatican.

He added: “It is the right of those who are attacked to defend themselves, but I am very worried about the total siege under which the Palestinians live in Gaza, where there have also been many innocent victims.”

Calling for immediate cessation of hostilities, CAN said it believes in the sanctity of human life and principles of justice and peace, as upheld by the Christian faith.

It urged all parties to engage in dialogue and seek diplomatic solutions.

In a statement in Abuja, yesterday, CAN President, Daniel Okoh, said the surprise attack by militant group, Hamas, on Israeli citizens, resulting in the tragic loss of many lives and abduction of persons, including women and children, is distressing and undermines global peace.

Okoh said many Nigerian Christians undertake pilgrimage to Jerusalem, Bethlehem, and other sacred sites. He said the conflict stirs concerns about safety and advised that their airlift be suspended till normalcy is restored.

He added: “CAN firmly condemns any act of violence that threatens the lives of innocent individuals, regardless of their nationality or religious background. Recognising Israel’s right to self-defense, we emphasise the importance of proportionality and avoidance of harm to innocent civilians in any military response. We must resist the temptation to allow this conflict to deepen divisions or inflame religious tension within our nation, Nigeria.”