CAN Condemns Benue Massacre, Calls It a National Tragedy

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has strongly condemned the recent wave of coordinated attacks in Benue State, which claimed the lives of over 200 people, describing it as a “national tragedy” and a brutal affront to human dignity.

In a statement released on Monday and signed by Archbishop Daniel Okoh, CAN President, the association called the killings “senseless and horrific,” warning that the government’s failure to act decisively could worsen insecurity and destabilize the nation further.

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

CAN lamented that residents of Benue have endured years of recurring violence, often linked to armed herders and criminal gangs, without meaningful government intervention or 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.”

To halt the bloodshed and protect vulnerable communities, CAN urged the Federal Government to:

• Declare a state of emergency in the most affected local governments

• Deploy additional security forces to high-risk areas

• Launch an independent, transparent investigation into the attacks

• Prosecute all those responsible, no matter how highly placed

“Justice must prevail to break the grip of impunity fueling these atrocities,” CAN emphasized.

Beyond national efforts, the Christian body called on the international community to support Nigeria in restoring peace and stability in Benue State.

“Nigeria cannot continue to treat these death tolls as mere statistics. Each life lost is a wound to our nation’s conscience,” said Archbishop Okoh.

Reaffirming its commitment to peace, justice, and the protection of all Nigerians regardless of religion or ethnicity, CAN called for unity and moral courage in the face of growing violence.

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