Bethel Baptist
The Christian Association of Nigeria has lamented the continuous kidnapping and abduction of people in the country noting that the crime has now become a thriving business.
CAN made the observation in a statement signed by its president Rev. Dr. Samson Ayokunle on Tuesday.
It noted that the recent abduction of Students of Bethel Baptist College, Kaduna shows that kidnapping is almost becoming synonymous with the leadership of President Muhammadu Buhari.
It adds that “It is very evident by each passing hour that this present administration is just paying lip service to the issues of security.”
While noting that security of lives was one of the campaign promises of President Buhari, the body said in the statement that the “administration has failed woefully to keep its campaign promise.”
CAN recalled that the former administration of President Goodluck Jonathan was severely criticized by present political leaders for its inability to curb the activities of Boko Haram.
It however noted that “today we are not only being harassed by Boko Haram and Islamic State of West African Province (who recently appointed their own governor for Borno State) we are terribly traumatized by bandits, kidnappers, and other criminals.”
The association observed further “that Nigeria is no longer a safe haven. It has gradually become a den of kidnappers and other criminals who are operating almost unchecked. It is obvious that the security operatives are overwhelmed.”
Bethel Baptist abduction not acceptable
It described the kidnapping of 140 students of Bethel Baptist College as unacceptable saying “A Government has no business shaking hands, attending international fora, sending emissaries to other countries and commissioning projects when the lives of an average citizen of its own country are greatly at stake. It is a sin and a crime against humanity to have zero regard for the lives of others or be unable to provide security for citizens.”
CAN then called on the international communities to come to the aid of Nigeria as they did in Syria “because it appears that our leaders are incapacitated and are not humble enough to admit failure. They are unwilling to seek help.”
It blamed the governor of Kaduna State, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai for the lawlessness in the state saying “he is given to too much talk than action” It wondered why some individuals give themselves to wickedness, while also calling them to repentance or face God’s judgement in due time.
Read also: We need to negotiate Nigeria now, Christian elders tell Buhari:https://churchtimesnigeria.net/elders-christian-nigeria/
The body then called on President Buhari and the security chiefs to rise up to the situation in the country. “Improve on intelligence gathering as a matter of priority and provide employment to make recruitment of young Nigerians into criminality unpopular any longer.”
CAN warned that “the story of these 140 innocent pupils of Bethel Baptist College, Kaduna must not be like the story of Chibok Girls who are still missing till date despite plummeted boast and blank promises by the present administration in 2015 to recover them if they win the election.”
The Christian Association then makes the following prayers:
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That President Muhammadu Buhari GCFR must ensure a safe return and reunion of all the 140 innocent pupils of Bethel Baptist College, Kaduna to their families and others in captivity.
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That President Muhammadu Buhari GCFR should summon all the security chiefs and cause them to explain why the criminals are operating with ease in Nigeria without being brought to book.
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That President Muhammadu Buhari GCFR should caution His Excellency, Mallam Nasiru El-Rufai from talking more than acting.
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That President Muhammadu Buhari GCFR has indeed lost grip on the leadership of this nation, especially his inability to provide security for citizens of this nation. He should therefore seek foreign assistance before it is too late.
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We enjoin all Christians nationwide to lift up their voices to God to get the students of Bethel Baptist College and all those in captivity released as soon as possible.