Christians In Plateau Join Protest Against Incessant Killings in Nigeria

By Jide Afolabi, Jos

Members of different Churches in Plateau state on Sunday trooped out en masse to protest incessant killings by suspected herdsmen and general insecurity in Nigeria.

The peaceful protests was carried out in compliance with the directive of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) President, Revd. Dr. Samson ‘Supo Ayokunle who last week in a statement directed all Christians in Nigeria to embark on a peaceful protest around their Churches to impress it on government to stop the bloodshed in the country.

The statement also directed all Christians to observe a day of mourning in honour of the two Roman Catholic Church priests, Rev. Fathers Felix Tyolaha and Joseph Gor, who were killed along with 17 parishioners in Benue State during a service in the cathedral last week.

The protests were led by Pastors, Bishops and other Church leaders across the state. Choir members were seen in their choir robes during the protest, carrying placards.

Some of the placards read, “Enough of bloodshed in Nigeria”, “FG, stop herdsmen killings now”, “Arrest and prosecute wicked killers in Nigeria”, “FG, ensure immediate release of Leah Sharibu from captivity”, “Stop the daily killings or step aside” among others.

Speaking during the protest, the Senior Pastor, First Baptist Church, Revd. Sunday Fabunmi said “it’s not a physical battle we are fighting but spiritual one”. He stated that “government has turned deaf hears to our cry and it is time to report the situation to our heavenly father”.

He said, “the First Baptist Church, Jos, join Christians all over Nigeria to say “Enough of the bloodshed”,
“Enough of the incessant killings” and “Enough of the injustice”.

“We are all Nigerians, we are created by God and we have the right to life and to live”. He summoned the government to
“Stop the spilling of innocent blood and demanded the unconditional release of Miss Leah Sharibu and others held captive by Boko Haram”. He led the protesters in prayer for peace in Nigeria.

Different Church denominations observed the National Day of Protest among which were Baptists, Catholics, Evangelical Church Win All (ECWA), Church of Christ in Nations (COCIN), Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), Methodists and Pentecostal churches among others.