The Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the 19 Northern states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Reverend Joseph John Hayab, has raised a serious alarm. He alleges that certain elements are actively plotting to ensure the Northern region of Nigeria remains deeply divided along religious lines.
Alleged Plot for Targeted Violence
Reverend Hayab made this grave allegation during an interactive session with journalists held at his residence in Kaduna over the weekend. He stated that, based on available intelligence reports, the sinister plan involves the targeted killing of Christians. The cleric specified that this violence is being hatched to take place specifically within the North Central geopolitical zone of the country.
The intelligence suggests a deliberate strategy to incite fear and perpetuate a cycle of religious strife. By focusing on the North Central, a region with a significant mix of religious and ethnic groups, the plotters aim to create widespread tension and distrust.
A Call for Vigilance and Prayer
In response to this alleged threat, Reverend Hayab issued a direct message to Christian communities within the identified states. He urged them not to give in to panic but to adopt a posture of heightened vigilance and prayerfulness. Furthermore, he emphasized the importance of community cooperation with security forces.
"I call on Christians within those states not to panic, but be vigilant and prayerful," Hayab said. "They should also report any suspicious movement to the relevant security agencies without delay." This, he believes, is crucial for preempting the plans of those seeking to destabilize the region.
Security Agencies Must Act Decisively
Reverend Hayab also placed a significant responsibility on the nation's security apparatus. He tasked security agencies to live up to their primary mandate of protecting lives and property. The CAN leader called on them to ensure the alleged deadly plans "did not see the light of day." This implies a need for proactive intelligence gathering and decisive intervention to neutralize any threats before they materialize.
Providing context to his stance on security operations, Hayab, who also serves as the Country Director of the Global Peace Foundation Nigeria (GPFN), clarified a critical point. He stated that when military forces target and neutralize terrorists, they are not attacking any religion. "No religion is being targeted, but the enemy of all is being silenced," he asserted. This distinction underscores the view that terrorism is a universal enemy, separate from any faith.
The allegations from a figure of Reverend Hayab's stature highlight the persistent undercurrents of religious and security tensions in Northern Nigeria. They serve as a stark reminder of the fragile peace in the region and the continuous need for dialogue, vigilance, and robust security measures to protect all citizens.
