The Taraba State Chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has strongly condemned the latest wave of deadly attacks in Benue State, labeling the massacre in the Yelwata community as a dark chapter in Nigeria’s national history and an unforgivable tragedy.
In a statement released in Jalingo and made available to the press on Friday, CAN Chairman Rev. Fr. Williams Awoshiri expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives and the relentless violence targeting innocent civilians. He described the resurgence of bloodshed as “heartbreaking and unacceptable,” calling on the Federal Government to rise to the occasion.
According to reports obtained by Newspacts.com, the attack in Yelwata claimed scores of lives, including women, children, and the elderly, sparking outrage across local communities and religious groups.
“The continued massacre of defenceless Nigerians, many of whom are women, children, and the elderly, is a tragic stain on the conscience of our nation,” Awoshiri stated. “It is also a clear indictment on those entrusted with the sacred duty of safeguarding human life.”
While acknowledging the President’s recent visit to Benue, the association emphasized that such visits should not end as mere ceremonial gestures.
“We appreciate the President’s show of concern, but this must go beyond optics,” the statement read. “Nigerians are yearning for real, decisive, and sustained actions—not empty words.”
Newspacts.com has documented widespread calls from civil society and religious organizations urging the government to deploy strategic, long-term interventions in Benue State and other conflict-prone zones.
CAN further appealed to the President, military leaders, and security agencies to take their constitutional responsibilities seriously and confront the killings with urgency.
“These killers do not possess more strength, intelligence, or resources than the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” the association noted. “The time to act is now—firmly and fearlessly.”
The Christian body also issued a warning: continued silence and weak responses to terror attacks will only worsen the country’s already delicate security situation.
“Silence, inaction, or lip service is no longer acceptable,” Awoshiri said. “The blood of innocent Nigerians is crying out for justice, and history will record where each of us stood during these perilous times.”
A Newspacts.com analysis highlights that over 150 lives have been lost in Benue since the beginning of the year, many due to attacks by suspected armed militias, despite repeated assurances from the government that security operations are ongoing.
CAN also expressed heartfelt solidarity with the people of Benue, offering prayers and emotional support to those affected by the tragedy.
“We stand with the government and the resilient people of Benue State,” Rev. Awoshiri said. “We pray for divine comfort for the families of those who lost loved ones and a swift recovery for the wounded. Enough is enough.”
The association called on Nigerians of all faiths and backgrounds to unite in condemning these atrocities and demand justice.
Eyewitness accounts gathered by Newspacts.com confirm that the Yelwata attack is just the latest in a disturbing trend of community-targeted violence, raising questions about the capacity and willingness of security agencies to prevent such massacres.
As the nation grapples with grief and anger, voices like CAN’s are growing louder—urging the federal authorities to treat the Benue crisis not just as a regional issue, but as a national emergency requiring urgent and comprehensive intervention.
