The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has expressed sadness over the recent tragic incident of mistaken target in the Tudun Biri community, Igabi Local Government of Kaduna State, which resulted in a significant number of casualties.

To this end, CAN called on the Armed Forces to exercise restraint, particularly when intelligence reports are not definitive, and prioritize the safety of civilians ensure that proper precautions and measures are in place to avoid similar incidents in the future.

CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, who appealed yesterday in Abuja, said it was essential that the Armed Forces be equipped with more accurate surveillance technology and intelligent devices in order to prevent the recurrence of such unfortunate incidents.

Okoh observed that these advancements will enhance their ability to differentiate between terrorist threats and innocent civilians, thereby minimizing collateral damage.

He said: “We recognize that the Nigerian Armed Forces have been continuously combating terrorism within our nation. Furthermore, we commend the Armed Forces for their unwavering commitment to the fight against terror in Nigeria.

“CAN reiterates its unyielding support for the federal government in its ongoing war against terrorism and insurgency in Nigeria. It is imperative that these efforts extend beyond the affected regions and address emerging cases of terrorist activities and criminality in other parts of our nation.

“As an organisation, we believe in the constitutional responsibility of the government to ensure the security and welfare of the Nigerian citizenry. Therefore, we urge the government to prioritise the safety of its people and take necessary actions to curb terrorism nationwide.”

The CAN President appealed to all interest groups, whether political or religious, to refrain from capitalising on the tragic incident for personal gain and focus on supporting the affected communities and working together to prevent future occurrences.

He stated that CAN remained committed to fostering unity, peace, and the overall wellbeing of the Nigerian people.

“We stand with the affected victims and their families during this challenging time, and we pray for healing and comfort,” he added.