CAN Breaks Silence On Benue Killings 

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has condemned the recent wave of coordinated attacks in Benue State that has claimed the lives of over 200 people, calling the killings a national tragedy and demanding immediate government intervention.

In a press statement issued and signed by the CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, the apex Christian body described the massacre as “senseless and horrific,” warning that continued inaction by the authorities could deepen the cycle of violence in the region and further destabilize the nation.

“These senseless killings have inflicted immeasurable pain on families, devastated communities, and further entrenched the insecurity threatening our nation,” Archbishop Okoh said. “We extend our heartfelt condolences to the bereaved and pray for the peaceful repose of the departed souls.”

CAN lamented that the people of Benue State have endured repeated, deadly attacks for years, often blamed on armed groups, without effective response or lasting justice.

“For too long, the people of Benue have been subjected to recurrent assaults… without meaningful intervention or justice,” the statement read. “This persistent failure to safeguard citizens and bring perpetrators to account has emboldened attackers and prolonged the cycle of violence.”

The association called on the Federal Government to act with urgency and resolve, including deploying reinforced security personnel to protect vulnerable communities and considering the declaration of a state of emergency in the hardest-hit areas.

“Justice must prevail to break the grip of impunity fueling these atrocities,” CAN said, urging the authorities to launch a transparent investigation and prosecute all those responsible.

The group also appealed to the international community to lend support toward restoring peace and rebuilding trust in Benue State, stressing that Nigeria must not continue to treat the loss of human lives as routine statistics.

Archbishop Okoh reaffirmed CAN’s commitment to standing for the sanctity of life and advocating for the protection and dignity of all Nigerians, regardless of region or religion.

“We remain unwavering in our call for peace and justice. May peace be restored, and may justice roll down like waters,” he said.