In the last four years, bandits have killed 23 pastors and shut over 200 churches in Kaduna.
Rev. John Hayab, Chairman of the Kaduna State Chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria, revealed this on Tuesday at an emergency meeting with the State Commissioner of Police, Musa Garba, and pastors from across the state held at the Albraka Baptist Church in Kaduna.
The conference, according to The PUNCH, was intended to examine how to partner with the church to address the state’s recent spate of insecurity.
“A pastor kidnapped on August 8, 2023, told the CAN leadership that over 215 Christians have been abducted by bandits in Birnin Gwani forest.” They are still there, and the Pastor told us that when he was in their den, the bandits asked him to lead prayers for the 215 Christians.
“We are urging the CP to investigate this and other issues holistically in order to restore people’s trust.”
“In the last few years, we have lost over 23 pastors to bandits in Kaduna.” The most recent was the murder of Pastor Reverend Jeremiah Wayo on his way to his farm in Kujama, Chikun local government area. He was from Kano State and was serving God in Kaduna when he was shot and killed by bandits. He was laid to rest on Monday.
“Then, the unfortunate incident in Fadan Kamantan added to the number of God’s servants killed by bandits in Kaduna State.”
“Let me tell you, Commissioner, that bandits have shut down over 200 churches.” Over 100 Baptist churches have most likely been closed down. The churches have vanished from Birnin Gwari to Chikun and Kajuru.
“If you go to many churches, you will see pastors who came from churches that were closed down because they couldn’t continue,” he stated.
In his statement, the commissioner condemned the attack on St. Rachael Parish in Fadan Kamatan, urging Christian clerics to “watch and pray” for the state’s long-term peace.
Garba stated that bandits’ attacks were not limited to the Christian faith, as other faiths have also been victims of similar atrocities by the hoodlums over the years.
He argued that anyone who commits a criminal act should be addressed as a criminal, not as a Christian, Muslim, or by their tribes or nationality.
“I want to express my heartfelt condolences to the family of the Catholic seminarian who was killed by bandits last week in Zango Kataf local government area,” he stated. That encounter has left a deep impression on me. You can see the type of folks we have. People who have the ability to kill at random.
“It is unfortunate that the CAN chairman mentioned 23 Clergies who were killed by bandits at various times in Kaduna State.” It is regrettable.
“However, this has happened not only to Christian Clergies, but to almost everyone, because crimes have no tribe, no religion.” Criminals are without sympathy, and they are evil.
“They don’t look at who you are if they want to do what they want to do.” A week before the Kamantan tragedy, bandits assassinated the Imam and his deputy in a Mosque while they were worshiping in a village in the Ikara local government region.
“You know, insecurity is all over the country and the world right now.” That is why Matthew 26: 41 says to watch and pray so that you do not fall into temptations; the spirit is willing, but the body is weak. So all that remains for us to do this time is to pray.
“We, the security agencies, are doing everything we can to combat crime.” That’s why I stated we’re trying something new. I sat in my office and assessed the situation in the United States.
“On the first day back in office, members of the press approached me and asked what I planned to do right away.” I stated that my goal is to ensure that Kaduna inhabitants sleep with their eyes closed.
“I called all the Divisional Police Officers to a meeting and asked them if they heard me when I told Kaduna residents that I wanted them to sleep with their two eyes closed.” They agreed. And I informed them that they would be the ones to carry it out.”
The Commissioner also stated that the command was dedicated to ridding the state of crime and charged the clergy to always offer relevant information to assist the command in order to protect lives and property in the state.
“Don’t be afraid to provide information to the police or directly to me that will assist us in apprehending criminals.” But make sure you provide me accurate information since giving me fake information is a crime. I’ll hold you accountable for it.
“Don’t give me information that is harmful to your adversary because you have issues with your adversary and are now telling me lies.” Every piece of information must be checked and accurate. I want to assure you that the Kaduna Police Department is committed to protecting lives and property, which is one of our key goals and objectives.
“We are committed to that, regardless of tribe or religion.” The police are impartial. “As a leader, I cannot imagine being partisan and saying this is my own and this is not my own,” he added.
