Security

Pray for Plateau Attack Victims, CAN Urges Nigerians  

By Web News 348

The Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, has called for prayers for victims of the Plateau State attacks, resulting in the death of over 190 persons and the razing of about 221 houses, rendering over 10,000 displaced from their homes.

In his New Year message, the CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, while condemning the attacks, canvassed for a country “where peace, justice, and prosperity are not just ideals, but realities for all.”

He described the bandits as “enemies of progress who sought to cast shadows over our joy,” adding that the attacks were a reminder of the fragility of peace and a “recurrent nightmare” that had happened far too often.

“We were shocked to find that, as the year drew to a close, the enemies of progress sought to cast a shadow over our joy with acts of extreme violence in some communities on the Plateau. In light of these distressing events, our prayers intensify for the souls we have lost and for the bereaved families.

“In the face of these adversities, it is imperative that we, as a people, refuse to be discouraged. Instead, we must come together and remain resolute in our commitment to build a united, peaceful, and prosperous nation. It is in our togetherness that we find the strength to withstand the trials that beset us. In unity, there is hope, resilience, and the power to rebuild. Let us embrace our diversity and allow it to be the bedrock upon which we build a stronger, more harmonious nation.

“Together, as one united people, we are capable of creating a Nigeria where peace, justice, and prosperity are not just ideals, but realities for all.”

Punch / Titilayo Kupoliyi

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Lifestyle

CAN Declines Homosexuality Legalisation

By Web News 454

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has affirmed its commitment to resist any pressure aimed at legalising homosexuality, according to a statement by CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh.

Archbishop Daniel Okoh stated this at the grand finale of the 2023 National Bible Quiz Competition, a collaborative effort between the Voice of Evangelism and CAN, held in Abuja.

He urged Nigerians to stand firm against the mounting pressure to endorse practises related to homosexuality.

Amidst the evolving societal norms and the increasing acceptance of crossdressing, homosexuality, same-sex marriages, and cultism, Archbishop Daniel Okoh stressed the role of the Scriptures in guiding young individuals to uncover their true identities.

He emphasised that instilling a sense of true identity would empower younger generations to establish meaningful relationships with God and navigate any environment they encounter.

Furthermore, the CAN President issued a cautionary note against excessive reliance on electronic Scriptures, highlighting the potential for tampered versions accessible through mobile phones.

One of the co-organizers, Dr. Emeka Agwu, highlighted the purpose of the Bible Quiz Competition, explaining that it aimed to foster scriptural knowledge and encourage young Christians to maintain a strong foundation in the Word of God.

FRCN Abuja / Titilayo Kupoliyi

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Religion

Mosque Collapse: Death Toll Rises, JNI, CAN Seek Probe

By Web News 308

The death toll from the collapse of the 150-year-old Zaria Central Mosque, which led to the death of no fewer than eight worshippers on Friday, has risen to 12.

At least four worshipers were earlier confirmed killed and seven others sustained injury as a section of the mosque collapsed on Friday during prayer session.

The incident, it was learnt, occurred at about 4pm while the worshippers were praying.

However, on Saturday,  a survivor who worshipped at the same mosque, Mallam Isa Bello, told journalists that apart from the four worshippers earlier confirmed death, “another four died later that same Friday while another four died (Saturday), bringing the number of those killed in the mosque collapse to 12.”

“So, the total number of those killed during the collapse mosque incident is 12,” Bello said.

Meanwhile, the Christian Association of Nigeria has extended its condolences to the Muslim Ummah in Zaria and the entire nation following the death and injuries sustained after the collapse of a section of the Central Mosque during the prayer session on Friday.

The President of CAN, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, in a statement issued on Saturday in Abuja, called on religious leaders, both Christian and Muslim, to use the incident as an opportunity to deepen interfaith dialogue by showing understanding.

He said, “It is with shock that we received the news of the untimely demise of at least 10 worshippers, and we offer our sincere prayers and condolences to the families who have lost their loved ones in this unfortunate incident.

“We also extend our thoughts and prayers to the 25 individuals who sustained injuries, and we pray for their quick and complete recovery. The Zaria Central Mosque holds significant historical and religious value, having stood as an important place of worship for over 150 years.

“We recognise the deep attachment and emotional connection that the Muslim community has with this sacred place, and we share in their grief and loss.

“We urge the government and all relevant stakeholders to ensure a thorough investigation into the causes of this incident, with the aim of preventing such accidents in the future and ensuring the safety of worshippers in all places of worship across the country.”

Also, the Jamaatul Nasir Islam led by the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar lll, has expressed sadness over the collapsed mosque which led to the death of 12 worshippers.

The organisation in a statement by its Secretary-General, Prof. Abubakar Aliyu, in Kaduna on Saturday, expressed grief over the incident.

The JNI also called on authorities concern to conduct a thorough investigation to determin the causes of the traffic incident.

The statement partly read, “The Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI), extends its heartfelt condolences to the Zazzau Emirate, the families of the deceased, and the entire Muslim Ummah following the devastating incident that occurred during a prayer session at the palace mosque in the ancient city of Zaria.

“In this time of grief, the Jama’atu Nasril Islam calls upon the authorities to conduct a thorough investigation to determine the causes of this tragic incident. Safety measures should be reviewed and implemented where necessary to prevent similar accidents from happening in the future.”

Punch / Titilayo Kupoliyi

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