The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the 19 Northern States and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has issued a powerful call to action, urging the Federal Government to declare a total war on terrorists amid escalating killings and abductions in Benue and Borno States.
In a strongly worded statement signed by Elder Sunday Oibe, Secretary General of Northern CAN, the Christian body warned that the worsening security crisis in Northern Nigeria poses a grave threat to national stability and must be urgently addressed with full force.
“We call on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to show unwavering political will by declaring an all-out war against terrorists and criminal herdsmen. If the crisis exceeds the capabilities of our national security forces, the government must not hesitate to seek international military assistance,” the statement read.
Over 100 Feared Dead in Benue as Attacks Escalate
The association’s plea follows a wave of deadly attacks in Benue State, where suspected armed herdsmen reportedly massacred over 100 people in Yelewata and Daudu communities in Guma Local Government Area. The attacks occurred on Saturday, June 13, and were carried out with sophisticated firearms, leaving behind a trail of destruction and grief.
Eyewitnesses reported that some victims, including internally displaced persons (IDPs) and farmers, were burned alive in makeshift shelters, while others were gunned down during the two-hour midnight assault.
Just 48 hours earlier, 25 people were killed in similar attacks on Mtswenem and Akondotyough Bawa in Makurdi LGA, leading to widespread displacement of entire communities and rising fear among residents.
Catholic Priest Abducted in Borno by Boko Haram Insurgents
Meanwhile, in Borno State, another tragedy unfolded when Rev. Fr. Daniel Afina, a Catholic priest and humanitarian worker, was abducted along with nine others by Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists. The group was ambushed on the Gwoza–Limankara Road while returning from Mubi in Adamawa State. One person was confirmed killed in the attack.
CAN described the renewed abductions and targeted killings as “a troubling reversal” of the initial security gains recorded earlier in President Tinubu’s administration.
CAN Demands Action, Not Promises
“The sovereignty of Nigeria and the safety of its citizens demand an immediate and coordinated military response. We can no longer tolerate a situation where innocent citizens are murdered, displaced, or kidnapped with impunity,” Elder Oibe stated.
CAN called on security agencies to neutralize the threats across Benue, Borno, and other affected regions within a clear and enforceable timeline.
“Even in the animal kingdom, such cruelty is rare. Yet here in Nigeria, blood flows freely, while farmers abandon their lands and families flee their ancestral homes,” the statement added.
Time to Seek International Help?
In a bold move, Northern CAN urged the federal government to consider international intervention if Nigeria’s armed forces are overstretched or ill-equipped to defeat the growing network of insurgents, bandits, and criminal herdsmen.
The group emphasized that Christian communities, especially in rural Northern Nigeria, have borne the brunt of these attacks, calling the silence or inaction of relevant authorities “a betrayal of constitutional responsibility.”
What’s Next?
As the security crisis deepens, citizens, faith-based organizations, and civil society groups are demanding concrete action, not political rhetoric. The onus now lies on the federal government to respond decisively, restore peace, and rebuild trust in a region plagued by fear, violence, and humanitarian despair
