Four months after the murder of the Chairman, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Lawan Andimi, in Adamawa, the body has confirmed the abduction of its Chairman in Nasarawa, Joseph Masin.
He was abducted on Wednesday night by gunmen who stormed his residence in Bukan-Sidi, Lafia metropolis.
They are demanding N20 million ransom to free Masin.
In a statement on Friday, Joseph Daramola, CAN General Secretary, told the Buhari administration to act fast to avoid Masin suffering the same fate as Andimi who was beheaded by Boko Haram.
The scribe said since it does not have Police of its own, ”we are placing a demand on the Federal Government and the Nasarawa State Government to ensure the safety and immediate release of Bishop Masin before it is too late.”
CAN warned that it would not accept losing another official like it lost the late Rev. Lawan Andimi, who was gruesomely murdered by terrorists while security agencies appeared powerless, helpless and de-robbed of their armor.
The Christian body said it was disheartening, disappointing, and reprehensible, how terrorists, herdsmen, kidnappers and bandits have been operating in the country, killing and maiming innocent citizens unabated.
He stated that the situation was unacceptable and demeaning to the prowess of Nigeria, “which is generally styled as the Giant of Africa”.
CAN said it is only in Nigeria “that we are having mass burials when we are not in a civil war. This kind of non-responsive situation can easily lead to a breakdown of law and order and must be consciously avoided by the positive responsiveness of our leaders”.
The statement noted that a few days ago, “some Fulani herdsmen invaded some predominantly Christian communities in Kaduna State and killed citizens”.
It lamented that no one has been brought to book.
“Everyone knows that it is the primary responsibility of the government anywhere in the world to protect the lives and property of its citizens, but this has become history in Nigeria”
CAN demanded the immediate release of Bishop Joseph Masin, Leah Sharibu and all Nigerians in the captivity of terrorists and kidnappers.
The body also demanded an end of the “ongoing genocide in Southern Kaduna and other states in the country”.
NAN