Bridget Anebi Kaduna
Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria ( CAN) for the 19 Northern States and the Federal Capital Territory, Reverend John Hayab have disclosed that intelligence indicates bandits and terrorists are planning coordinated attacks in the three major states, Niger, Kwara, and Kogi, with the aim of inflaming religious tensions and disrupting the electoral process.
Hayab called for urgent collaboration between the media, government, and communities to safeguard peace and democratic integrity.
Speaking during a media parley in his residents in Kaduna State , disclosed that, these groups allegedly sponsored locally or internationally intend to target Christian communities to provoke sectarian conflict.
He warned Nigerians not to fall into this divisive trap, stating, saying , “We must not allow violence to pitch Christians and Muslims against one another.
“If one life is lost in Nigeria, it is a Nigerian life that is lost,” and called on all faiths to reject violence perpetrated in the name of religion.
” I urged security agencies and the government to act decisively, moving beyond rhetoric to concrete measures. As Nigeria prepare towards the election, “Conflicts and crisis, we cannot be talking about it without doing something that will put an end to it,” he emphasized.
Reverend Hayab also highlighted the need for media partnership in countering misinformation, promoting peace, and holding authorities accountable.
The Northern CAN chairman commend Media efforts in conflict mediation, advocacy for violence victims, and interfaith dialogue as foundations for stronger collaboration.
He referenced Islamic teachings against killing, noting that Muslim leaders often cite the Qur’an’s stance that taking one life is like killing all humanity.
Hayab insisted that coexistence in the region is non-negotiable:
“Nobody is going to chase anybody out of this region. Whether you like it or not, we will remain here together.” He encouraged residents to embrace shared destiny for collective progress.
The CAN Chairman appeal for unity, proactive security measures, and sustained media partnership highlights the critical need for a collaborative approach to preserve peace, protect lives, and ensure the credibility of the democratic process in the region.
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