Olushola Omogbehin
The Christian Association of Nigeria has called on Christians in the northern Nigeria to defend themselves against persistent attacks.
This declaration was sequel to the Palm Sunday attack on Angwan Rukuba community in Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State that left many dead and others injured.
The Defence Headquarters had after the attack placed troops on alert ahead of the Easter celebrations, promising Nigerians a secured environment.
The Director, Media Operations, Maj. Gen Michael Onoja while briefing journalists during the end-of-the-month briefing on Tuesday in Abuja, promised a secured environment for Easter celebrations.
Speaking to Saturday PUNCH, however, the Chairman of CAN in the 19 northern states and the Federal Capital Territory, Joseph Hayab, said in spite of the wave of killings and constant security challenges, the Christian community would not give in to fear.
Hear him: “These killers are not spirits. These killers are human beings; they may have got some upper hand, but when our people really organise themselves, a time will come when you see that the person who is chasing you, you are chasing him back.
“Unless and until all of us start organising ourselves to chase those who have been chasing us, they will torment us for the next 200 years. If we are no longer afraid of our attackers, what have we done? Have we been able to defend ourselves? Must we say we are defending ourselves since we are not afraid of the attackers?
“Since 2009 till today, they have been tormenting us every time it is Easter and Christmas; they will deny us the joy of celebrating. They (terrorists) are telling us that they will attack us. What kind of a thing is that? So, should we stop everything and go into hiding? No, every church leader should tell his members that enough is enough of this rubbish,” Hayab said.
Speaking on their strategy, he said:
“If we start telling everything we know, we will just help the enemy of the church to triumph. But what we are simply saying is that we are not happy with the killings, but we will not allow the killers to intimidate us and stop us from celebrating Easter the way it should be celebrated.
“We are angry with the killings; we are angry with the inability of government and security services to stop the killings, but we are also calling on Christians not to be deterred because this whole war is psychological. By the time we give in and stop doing what we’re supposed to do spiritually, they have succeeded in what they want to do.
“Do you know why they are attacking places of worship? It is so that we will stop going to places of worship, and we’ll stop doing what we are doing. So, as leaders, if we don’t tell our people and encourage them to stand firm, we’re giving in to a cheap blackmailer.”
According to him, the wave of killings particularly around Easter period has been worrisome but would not break the resolve of the Christian community.
Reacting however, a retired military officer, Brigadier General John Sura, has called for lawful self-defence and stronger community-based security measures as the best approach to curb the attacks.
He said citizens should be encouraged to take minimal steps within the law to protect themselves rather than remain vulnerable during attacks.
“Self-defence allows you to carry a Dane gun, and then you have a licence to carry that. If you go to the police, they can give you that. You can also carry very sharp objects that you keep to defend yourself in case of any attacks.
He therefore called on state governments to strengthen local security structures, including vigilance groups and community outfits, to serve as a second line of defence.
