13th September, 2023
By Muhammad Tijjani
The Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Kaduna, Rev. John Hayab has revealed that 23 pastors and over 200 churches had been lost to insecurity in the state in the last four years.
He spoke at a meeting of Christian leaders with the Commissioner of Police in Kaduna State, Mr Musa Garba, on Tuesday.
The Commissioner of Police met with Christian leaders to seek their support in addressing the security challenges in Kaduna state.
Hayab who welcomed the initiative and pledged the support of the Christian leaders in ensuring peace and stability in Kaduna state.
“We want to be part of contributing to security in our state,” Hayab said, adding that the initiative was a huge departure from the past when faith leaders were relegated to the background.
Hayab who led the Christian leaders to the meeting expressed optimism that the initiative would change the security situation in the state.
Hayab thanked the police commissioner for bringing them on board and assured him that all the concerns raised by the clerics were everyday realities they were facing.
Speaking earlier at the meeting attended by no fewer than 450 pastors from across Kaduna, Musa said that the interaction was to get the support of the clerics and include their inputs in the efforts being made to ensure peace in the state.
According to him, security is everybody’s business, and religious leaders are critical stakeholders in ensuring a peaceful society.
The commissioner of police added that the engagement was to establish a relationship between the Police and the Christian leaders as part of a community policing initiative.
He assured that the police would remain committed to its duties of securing lives and properties, and urged them to always provide helpful information to checkmate criminals in any part of the state.