Writing by Teddy Daniel; Editing By Yusuf Zubairu
Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Northern Nigeria, Reverend John Joseph Hayab, has cautioned Nigerians against allowing terrorists to sow seeds of religious division in the region.
Reverend Hayab said acts of violence must not be allowed to pitch Christians against Muslims, stressing that insecurity in Northern Nigeria is a shared challenge that requires collective action.
He made the remarks during a media parley with journalists at his residence in Kaduna.
The CAN Chairman disclosed that security intelligence points to a deliberate strategy by terrorist groups, allegedly with local or foreign backing, to destabilise northern Nigeria by targeting Christians in states such as Niger, Kwara and Kogi, with the aim of provoking religious conflict.
According to him, Nigerians must resist such plots and remain united stressing that every life lost in Nigeria is a national tragedy, regardless of religion or ethnicity.
He also referenced Islamic teachings, which emphasise the sanctity of human life, saying Muslim leaders have often reminded him that killing one person is equivalent to killing all of humanity.
The CAN Chairman called on Nigerians of all faiths to expose anyone who commits violence in the name of religion, describing such action as necessary to protect the integrity of both faith and region.
He further insisted that no group has the right to force others out of northern Nigeria, stressing that peaceful coexistence is non-negotiable.
Reverend Hayab urged residents of the region to embrace unity, noting that peace remains essential for development and collective progress.
