Bishop Masin was kidnapped on Wednesday night, May 27, 2020, by some gunmen who stormed his residence in Bukan-Sidi, Lafia metropolis, and are demanding for N20m ransom.
CAN in a statement by its Chief Scribe, Barrister Joseph Bade Daramola, stated that since it has no police of its own and have been trying as much as possible to avoid chaotic situations, then it is only right that the Christian body places a demand on the Federal Government and the Nasarawa State Government to ensure the safety and immediate release of Bishop Masin before it is too late.
“We will not accept losing another state Chairman like we lost the late CAN Chairman, Rev. Lawan Andimi, in Adamawa State, who was gruesomely murdered by terrorists while our security agencies appeared powerless, helpless and de-robed of their armor.
“It is disheartening, disappointing, and reprehensible, how terrorists, herdsmen, kidnappers and bandits have been operating in the country, killing and maiming innocent citizens unabated.
“This is totally unacceptable and demeaning to the prowess of this great country which is generally styled as the Giant of Africa.
“It is only in Nigeria that we are having mass burials when we are not in a civil war. This kind of non-responsive situation can easily lead to a breakdown of law and order and must be consciously avoided by a positive responsiveness of our leaders.
“Just a few days ago, some hoodlums in the guise of Fulani herdsmen invaded some predominantly Christian communities in Kaduna State, killing the innocent people and up till now, no one has been brought to book.
“Everyone knows that it is the primary responsibility of government anywhere in the world to protect the lives and property of its citizens, but this has become history in Nigeria. This should not be,” CAN stated.
Having stated their case, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) listed its demands of the government, and they include:
1. Immediate release of Bishop Joseph Masin from his captors.
2. Immediate release of Leah Sharibu and all Nigerians in the captivity of terrorists and kidnappers.
3. Immediate and permanent end of the ongoing genocide in Southern Kaduna and other states in the country where similar detestable crimes are ongoing.
While Stressing that ‘Enough-is-Enough’, CAN prayed that the Almighty God will deliver Bishop Joseph Masin completely, uphold members of his family, strengthen the entire Christian community and protect the nation from evil and its perpetrators.
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Crime