Killing of CAN chairman: No one knows the next target, says cleric

Joseph Hayab, a cleric, has urged the federal government to take urgent and decisive action against Boko Haram insurgents.

Hayab said this in reaction to the killing of Lawan Andimi, chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Michika local government area of Adamawa state, by the insurgents.

Andim, who hailed from Kwada village in Chibok local government area of Borno state, worked as a pastor in Michika. He was abducted early January when the insurgents attacked Michika.

The news of his death broke on Tuesday morning.

Hayab, who is CAN chairman in Kaduna, said the usual condemnation of these killings by government without any concrete action was not enough.

He said news of the killing of Andimi has added to the sorrows, pains and suffering that the church is facing in the north, adding: “We are praying for divine intervention since no one knows who is the next target.

“This sad news is coming just a day after our dear President Buhari met with the British Prime Minister. What other evidence do those in authorities in Nigeria want from us to convince them that our members, pastors and fellow citizens are no longer safe.

“We have said condemnation of atrocities without any concrete action is not good enough.

“What we are hearing and seeing is increase in fear by our people. How do you expect a person living in fear to do something meaningful for himself and his country?

“This is another sad day for the church in Nigeria and for the country at large especially for those who care and value human lives.

“Our condolences to Rev. Andimi’s wife, children and the church in Northern Nigeria. Let us not give up our salvation is near.”

He called on government and the security agencies to do everything possible to safeguard the lives and property of the citizens.