‘Protect people not cows’ — churches tell Buhari as CAN declares national day of protest

Churches across the country are taking to the streets to protest the increasing incidents of killings as the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) declares a national day of protest.

The churches are making demands on the Muhammadu Buhari administration to stop the incessant killings by herdsmen and persecution of Christians across the country.

As led by Olasupo Ayokunle, the president of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), the churches are also asking for the release of the Chibok girls and Leah Sharibu, a young girl kidnapped by Boko Haram from her school in Dapchi.

It was earlier reported after the return of the Dapchi girls, that Boko Haram had failed to return the young girl because she refused to renounce her Christian faith.

In a statement issued by the CAN President, the body made the following demand:

§  Shedding of Innocent blood should stop

§  Leah Sharibu should be released

§  Enough of unlawful killings

§  Federal Government should stop herdsmen killings

§  Immediate Release of other Chibok girls

§  President Buhari should protect our lives and properties and not cows

John Akin Oyelade, pastor in charge of one of the churches involved in the demonstration, Fountain of Peace Baptist Church, Oyo, said Christians have given the government enough time to act.

“Having exercised the very patience expected of a true believer by praying and looking forward to what any responsive government would do in this unpalatable situation against fellow mankind, it could be observed that we have given enough time for administrative exigencies and should our quietness be taken for a ride, then more than what Christians are known for may begin to unfold hence, this peaceful protest,” he said.

- The Cable