The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has expressed shock at the recent news of the tragic incidents that affected members of the Redeemed Christian Church of God and the Salvation Army.
The Christian body in a statement signed by its president, Archbishop Daniel Okoh on Wednesday, July 5 said the loss of 14 persons including 12 pastors of the Salvation Army Church in a fatal accident is a blow to the Church in Nigeria and the country.
The incident that claimed the lives of members of the church happened along the Lagos-Benin Road on Thursday, June 29.
CAN described the unfortunate occurrence as “a devastating blow to the congregation, the body of Christ in Nigeria, and the nation at large. We stand with the Salvation Army during this very difficult time in prayer, asking that God will comfort them and ease their pain. We also urge the government authorities to thoroughly investigate the accident to prevent a repeat of this episode.
The association also noted with dismay the attack on the RCCG in Abule-Ori, Obafemi Owode Local Government Area of Ogun State, is an assault on religious freedom in Nigeria during which the pastor was killed and members were kidnapped.
CAN states, “We mourn the loss of the Pastor and condemn the kidnapping of worshippers who were simply exercising their religious freedom to worship. We commend the security agencies for their swift response to the incident and call for intensified efforts to apprehend all the perpetrators.”
The body further urged the various security agencies to increase vigilance in places of worship during religious gatherings and provide adequate security measures for worshippers
It also urged citizens not be discouraged by recent losses but to continue to look up to God for help. Our thoughts and prayers are with the affected families and churches.
