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Tag: CAN

  • CAN Youth wing condemn killing of Priest in Minna

    CAN Youth wing condemn killing of Priest in Minna

    Amb. Belusochukwu Enwere, Chairman, Christian Association of Nigeria (Youth Wing) has condemned the killing of a priest in Minna, Niger, by bandits.

    According to Enwere, the killing of Rev. Fr Isaac Achi, a Catholic Priest of Minna diocese on Sunday at about 1 am by bandits is pure terrorist attack.

    “The killing and burning alive the  priest as well as the parish house is the most wicked and barbaric act by this blood sucking bandits whose aims and objectives are becoming suspicious.

    “But our enemies will not succeeded so long as Nigeria remains a secular state,” he said.

    He said that the continuous killing as well as kidnapping of Christian clerics in Nigeria is alarming.

    “This has to be stopped at all cost. The Christian community must rise up and come together to put to an end this insult.

    “Those behind this senseless killings and burning of the parish house must be brought to book.

    “Nigeria is becoming a killing field where Christian clerics and its members are slaughtered like chicken,” he said.

    The chairman called on the Federal Government, security agencies, government of Niger state to help salvage this ugly situation before it got out of control.

    Enwere sent his condolences to the Niger State Christian community as well as the Catholic diocese of Minna.

    Rev. Fr Achi was on early hours of Sunday, at the Rectory (Fathers’ House) of Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church, Kafin Koro, attacked and shot dead and burnt beyond recognition.

    His assistant, Fr Colins Omeh sustained severe bullet wounds.

    He was also Parish Priest of SS Peter and Paul Catholic Church, Kafin Koro in Niger State and the Dean of Kafin Koro Deanery.

  • Police begin manhunt for killers of Catholic Priest in Niger

    Police begin manhunt for killers of Catholic Priest in Niger

    The Police in Niger said they deployed reinforcements to track down suspected killers of Catholic Priest, Very Rev. Fr. Issac Achi of Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Paikoro Local Government Area of the state on Sunday.

    This is contained in a statement on Sunday issued by DSP Wasiu Abiodun, Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) in the state.

    According to the statement, “On 15/01/2023 at about 0300hrs, armed bandits invaded the Parish residence of one Rev. Father Isaac Achi of Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church along Daza road, Kafin-Koro, Paikoro Local Government Area.

    “Unfortunately, the bandits reportedly attempted to gain entrance into the residence, but seems difficult and set the house ablaze, while the said Rev. Father was burned to death.

    “A colleague of the Rev. Father, identified as Father Collins, was equally shot on the shoulder while trying to escape from the scene.

    “The Commissioner of Police, Niger State Command, Ogundele Ayodeji had dispatched a reinforcement team to the area and effort is ongoing to apprehend the assailants as investigation into the unfortunate attack has commenced.”

    It said that the police tactical teams attached to Kaffin-Koro Division were immediately drafted to the scene, but the hoodlums had escaped before the arrival of the teams.

    Abiodun said that the lifeless body of late Isaac was recovered while Father Collins was taken to the hospital for treatment.

    Meanwhile, the state chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), led by Most Rev. Bulus Yohanna, had condemned the dastardly act in a statement.

    CAN called on the three tiers of government to do more in securing lives and property in the state and urged the authorities to apprehend the suspected killers.

  • CAN flays killing of Catholic Priest in Niger State

    CAN flays killing of Catholic Priest in Niger State

    The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Niger has condemned the killing of a Catholic Priest, Very Rev. Fr. Isaac Achi, in Paikoro Local Government Area of the state.

    A statement issued by Daniel Atori, media aide to the CAN Chairman, Most Rev. Bulus Yohanna on Sunday in Minna called for investigations into the attacks and the culprits brought to book.

    “CAN, Niger state strongly condemns the gruesome killing of Very Rev. Fr. Isaac Achi, priest of Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church, Kaffin Koro, in Paikoro local government area of Niger state.’’

    The CAN chairman called on the government at all levels, the police and other security agencies to double their efforts in tackling banditry and insecurity.

    “One of the primary responsibilities of any government is to protect lives and properties of the people, enough of the attacks and wanton killings of innocent Nigeria citizens.

    “In the early hours of today (Sunday) the bandits got to the community, shooting sporadically, setting ablaze the Catholic Parish house, killed the parish priest and injured his assistant.”

    The association condoled the Catholic Diocese of Minna, parishioners and  the entire Christendom as well as the immediate family of  the slayed priest.

    Yohanna, who is also the Catholic Bishop of Kontagora Diocese, prayed for the repose of the soul of late Achi and the souls of all the faithful departed to rest in peace.

    The late Achi was until his death, the CAN Coordinator of Paikoro local government area, the Dean and Parish Priest of Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church kaffinkoro in  Minna Diocese.

  • BREAKING: Catholic priest burnt to death in Niger State

    BREAKING: Catholic priest burnt to death in Niger State

    A Catholic priest, Very Reverend Father Isaac Achi has been burnt to death in his residence at Kafin Koro, Paikoro Local Government Area of Niger State.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports the home of Very Reverend Father Achi, it was learnt, was attacked by armed bandits at about 3:00 a.m. on Sunday.

    Until his death, Achi was the Dean of Kafin Koro Deanery of the Catholic Diocese of Minna and the Reverend Father in charge of St. Peter’s and Paul Catholic Church, Kafin Koro.

    He was also the Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Paikoro Local Government Area, Niger State.

    According to a reliable source, armed bandits in their numbers stormed the uphill residence of the deceased Reverend Father and burnt it down after about an hour of fruitless effort to force their way into the house.

    The bandits were said to have poured Petroleum Motor Spirit (PMS) popularly refers to as petrol around the house before setting it ablaze.

    His assistant, whose name was given as Rev Father Collins, was shut on his leg while trying to escape from the fire and he is currently receiving treatment at an undisclosed medical facility in Minna, the state capital.

    It was gathered that while the gunmen were trying to get access into the house, the deceased, according to our source, put a distress call to a family member who alerted the Divisional Police Office in charge of Kafin Koro Division but the gunmen were said to have outnumbered the police.

    It was further gathered that the gunmen, after setting the building on fire, waited until it was razed down to ashes with the late Reverend Father inside before taking their leave without any challenge.

    Meanwhile, the state Police Command was yet to issue a statement on the incident, but the Commissioner for Internal Security and Humanitarian Affairs, Mr Emmanuel Umar, confirmed the murder of the Catholic Priest but said the security agents have been mobilised to the area.

    Recall that the late Reverend Father Isaac Achi, a native of Kafin Koro, survived the December 2011 bombing of Saint Theresa Catholic Church, Madella in the Suleja local government area of the state.

    Two years later in 2013, the late Reverend Father escaped another kidnap attempt when the gunmen invaded his residence.

  • VIDEO: Woman pushes out “dead animal” from her stomach after receiving miracle water

    VIDEO: Woman pushes out “dead animal” from her stomach after receiving miracle water

    A woman identified as Ikenga Regina has reportedly pushed out a “dead animal” from her stomach after receiving miracle water at a prayer summit in Asaba, Delta State.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Christ Holy Church International, also known as Nation Builders Commonwealth disclosed this on Friday.

    Sharing a video of the “dead animal” pushed out by Regina on Facebook, Nation Builders Commonwealth wrote:

    “Awardee Ikenga Regina is a member of Christ Holy Church Int’l Nkpologwu-Enugu.

    “She attended the 3-Days 2023 Prayer Summit of Christ Holy Church Int’l at the Christ Holy Church Int’l Camp Ground Asaba with Stomach pains that has disturbed her for long.

    “The pain was so excruciating that it could not allow her participate and enjoy the program.  She only stayed inside their vehicle though was connecting by faith in prayers.

    “After the prayers by the General Superintendent His Eminence the Most Rev Dr Daniel Okoh on the third day, he blessed water which was sprinkled to all the participants according to divine instruction.

    “As the water touched her, she began to feel intense hotness in her stomach and suddenly began to feel pressed.

    “She went to ease herself and push out this dead animal from her stomach and immediately regain herself. God indeed is faithful”.

     

    Posted by Nation Builders Commonwealth on Friday, 13 January 2023

    TNG reports Most Rev. Okoh is the president of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN).

  • Ooni of Ife confesses Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour

    Ooni of Ife confesses Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour

    The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, Ojaja 11,  has confessed Jesus Christ as Lord of lords and most wonderful God that turns shame to celebration.

    Ooni said this during the Grand-finale of New Year Prayer organised by Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) at Afewonro Park, Enuwa Square, on Saturday, in Ile-Ife.

    Oba Ogunwusi, who led different Christian worship songs and praises during the service, clarified that it is a good thing to always praise the Lord Jesus Christ and appreciate Him..

    “When I look back, I observe that my life is full of God’s wonders and miracles despite all challenges faced, but today, the Lord gave me victory over them all.

    “I sat down here last year with a lot of tribulations and storms of life in which I cannot explain, but to God be the Glory that my shame has turned to celebration.

    “I observed where I started, hitherto, the Lord has helped me. it is clearly stated to me that the Lord is Alive. Fool is anyone that says there’s no God,” the traditional ruler stated.

    He charged Christians to hold firmly unto Jesus Christ, adding “truly, He is the son of God and He is the one that lives with him (Ogunwusi) on the throne.

    The Ooni said that there was no one who works with God that looses, adding that money was not everything in life.

    According to him, sound health, safety, feeding among others were part of God’s goodness.

    The traditional ruler appealed to officials of the CAN not to wait for God’s commendation, but should strive to serve God wholeheartedly.

    Quoting the Bible, Ogunwusi said “for He is the rewarder of those that diligently seek Him.

    Ooni reiterated his commitment to serve God and humanity throughout the rest of his life as well as always work for the growth and development of Ile-Ife, Osun, Yoruba race and country at large.

    He urged all and sundry to always appreciate God and put all their trust in Him in order to receive all their requests in life from Him.

    Oba Ogunwusi warned youths against allowing politicians to instigate them to violence and other social vices particularly  before, during and after the forthcoming general elections.

    In his message at the event, Pastor Mathew Adejumo, the Superintendent for Christ Apostolic Church (CAC), Oke Isegun Moore District Coordinating Council (DCC), told the congregation that God still has powers like of old.

    Adejumo, whose message was titled “Be Still” and his bible verse taken from Mark 4: 35-41, said that God is still able to calm every storm in each individual’s life and in the country.

    The superintendent admonished Christians to ensure that they serve God with all their might and power this year for them to enjoy the benefits embedded in God.

  • 2023 elections should not be a do or die affair – CAN chairman

    2023 elections should not be a do or die affair – CAN chairman

    The 19 Northern States and Abuja, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) chairman, Rev. Yakubu Pam, has appealed to all the presidential candidates of the various political parties participating in the 2023 general election not to see it as a do or die affair.

    Similarly, Pam advised Christians in the north to come out enmasse to vote for the candidate of their choice in the forthcoming elections.

    He said voting on election days can be the only ways credible leaders can be elected into the office.

    Pam made this statement at a three-day special prayer summit organized by CAN ahead of the 2023 general election, which was held at the Catholic Social Centre, Kaduna, on Thursday.

    The cleric said the prayer session was timely and auspicious as it was being held few months before the 2023 general election.

    The special prayer summit had as its theme: ‘Managing diversity in an electioneering process: The role of religious leaders.’

    Pam called on members to come out en masse to cast their votes in the forthcoming election, noting that the time when Christians showed apathy towards election matter was gone.

    The CAN leader said, “Our presidential candidates should not see the general election as a do-or-die affair, after all power comes from God and what will be, will be; no man runs faster than his shadow.

    “We, the religious leaders, must stand firm in the face of intimidation in this era of electioneering process.

    “We should be able to speak truth to power no matter the circumstances we find ourselves, because for everyone we mislead, we must answer for it someday.

    “Christians should come out as never before to vote and be voted for in the forthcoming general election in February, 2023.

    “It is expected that every eligible Christian should take it upon himself or herself to register with INEC and should not stop there, rather should ensure that he or she gets the PVC so that they can participate in the voting process.

    “The government whether at the federal or state levels, should be proactive in addressing challenges and conflicts that might arise before, during and post-election period.

    “The government has a role to play in ensuring smooth electioneering campaign and smooth transition without bloodbath.”

  • CAN expresses worries about killings in the country

    CAN expresses worries about killings in the country

    The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) on Thursday in Enugu expressed worries about renewed killings in the country.

    It said it would continue to engage governments at all levels to ensure that the killings were curtailed.

    CAN National President, Rev. Daniel Okoh, expressed their worries at the 31st General Assembly and Standing Committee of the Christian Council of Nigeria (CCN).

    Reacting to recent attacks at Eha-Amufu, Enugu State, by assailants, the CAN president charged that federal and state governments were failing in their responsibility of securing lives and property of Nigerians.

    “I want to tell you that CAN has not relented in its call to the Federal Government and the security agencies to be alive to their responsibilities to defend citizens and the territorial integrity of the country.

    “We have been talking to the security agencies; we have been raising our prophetic voice and we hope that those in charge will listen.

    “We will continue, not only just to talk to them openly, but will engage them in conversation, and we pray that within a short time, God will answer our prayers.

    “It is a collective responsibility, not just the responsibility of the government alone to know, see and fish out certain movements that are suspicious and report same to the authorities,’’ he said.

    On the 2023 general elections, Okoh advised the electorate to vote for a presidential candidate who has the capacity to tackle the economic and security problems facing the country.

    The CAN president stressed that the Church would not endorse any candidate or political party ahead of the elections.

    He added that the Church would rather engage all presidential candidates to remind them of the enormity of the responsibility of the office.

    In his remarks, President of CCN, Most. Rev. Benebo Fubare-Manuel, said aside the 31st General Assembly, the event provided the Council the opportunity to celebrate its 93rd year of formation.

    Fubare-Manuel stressed that the Council had contributed significantly to strengthening and uniting the Christian community as well as spearheaded the formation of CAN.

    The CCN president urged Christian bodies to always speak with one voice, especially as it pertains to the political, economic and security situations in the nation, to avoid being taken for granted.

    Earlier, chairman of the occasion and former Minister of Power, Mr Chinedu Nebo, raised alarm over “ existential threat facing Christianity in Nigeria’’.

    Nebo condemned tribal and religious bigotry and asked voters to participate actively in the 2023 general elections.

  • I won’t run my administration on religious bias — Tinubu

    I won’t run my administration on religious bias — Tinubu

    Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Candidate has said he will not run his presidency on a religious bias.

    He said this when he met the leadership of Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) on Wednesday in Abuja.
    This is according to a statement issued by Mr Tunde Rahman, his media aide.

    He recalled that since his administration as Lagos State Governor did not discriminate against anyone based on tribe, religion or gender, he would not start such in office as a president.

    The statement added that the CAN leadership under its new president Daniel Ukoh presented a charter of demands and issues to the APC presidential candidate.

    It added that some of the demands included: the creation of state police or a decentralised policing system, devolution of power to states and equal rights for all religions and their adherents.

    Others, it added were right to self-determination by all ethnic groups, right to control natural resources by communities that bear them, saying no to open grazing and equitable electoral system among others.

    The statement quoted Tinubu as saying that his belief in the need for secular government and faith-based organisations to work in unity was not something adopted recently to benefit his campaign.

    He said as governor of Lagos, he partnered with Christians to improve lives and foster education and returned mission schools to their owners, most of whom were Christians.

    “I instituted yearly Christian Denomination Service at the Governor’s residence as we approached the new year, this tradition continues in Lagos.

    “More importantly, we fostered an atmosphere of religious tolerance and inter-faith collaboration, my cabinet was diverse and talented.

    “In the exercise of government, I did not give a thought to whether a team member was Christian or Muslim, Yoruba, Igbo or Arewa. I have never lent myself to baseless prejudice and discrimination.

    “To do so would be a recipe for failure in the governance of a diverse society and I am not a man that is familiar with failing,” the statement further quoted Tinubu as saying.

    He added that he never chased people out of Lagos nor made them feel unwanted, saying that under his administration, Lagos welcomed all comers and continued to do so today.

    He say he saw Nigerians as equal and as brothers and sisters in our national family.
    This, he said, meant that no one was inherently inferior or superior to anyone else, regardless of faith, place of origin, social status and gender.

    He said anyone who does not hold this fair and equitable view, should not run for president in a country such as Nigeria.

    Tinubu said the Christian body has a great role as the moral compass of the society which he cherishes and would always support.

    “You, as an organisation and as individual leaders of CAN, are entrusted as the watch person of the welfare of this society from a Christian perspective.

    “Which means functioning in an atmosphere of charity, understanding, patience and wisdom.

    ” I understand the tremendous importance of your work and have nothing but the deepest respect for your selfless contributions to our national cause,” the APC 2023 presidential candidate said.

    On his choice of Sen. Kashim Shettima as running mate, which had generated lots of controversies, Tinubu assured the CAN that he made the best available choice at his disposal without recourse to religious sentiments.

    “I did not choose Shettima so that we could form a same faith ticket. The ticket was constructed as a same progressive and people- based ideology ticket.

    “I selected Sen. Shettima thinking more about who would best help me govern, picking a Christian running mate would have been politically easier.

    “But the easy way is rarely the right one, the selection of a running mate is at once a very momentous yet very intimate decision.

    “Resting such a key decision on religious affiliation as the primary weight did not sit well with me. I am not saying there were no good and adequate potential running mates of the Christian faith,” Tinubu said.

    He added that Shettima’s faith was immaterial, saying that he is a brilliant man with superior intellectual capacity.

    He further said that Shettima is studious and detailed oriented and enjoys excellent organisation skills and fully understands the vital difference between governance and politics.

    “This exceptionally gifted human being has humility of spirit, courage of his convictions and a strongly progressive world view in harmony.

    “I trust the calibre of the man. I know the great lengths he went in fighting Boko Haram in his state. He did his best to protect the Christian community and rebuilt damaged churches.

    “This man understands the value of our national diversity in all of its ramifications, including religious, he possesses the courage to stand up to those who would wreck that diversity and freedom,” Tinubu explained.

    According to the statement, Tinubu was accompanied to the meeting by his wife, Sen. Oluremi, Sen. Shettima, House of Representatives Speaker, Femi Gbajabiamila and some APC governors and senators

  • 2023: I am not a man that is familiar with failing – Tinubu

    2023: I am not a man that is familiar with failing – Tinubu

    Presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Mr Bola Tinubu has said he is not a man that is familiar with failing and that he will not run his presidency on a religious bias.

    Tinubu, who is a former Governor of Lagos State, said this when he met the leadership of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) on Wednesday in Abuja.

    He recalled that his administration as Lagos State Governor did not discriminate against anyone based on tribe, religion or gender, he would not start such in office as a president.

    At the meeting, Tinubu said his belief in the need for secular government and faith-based organisations to work in unity was not something adopted recently to benefit his campaign.

    He said as Governor of Lagos, he partnered with Christians to improve lives and foster education and returned mission schools to their owners, most of whom were Christians.

    “I instituted yearly Christian Denomination Service at the Governor’s residence as we approached the new year, this tradition continues in Lagos.

    “More importantly, we fostered an atmosphere of religious tolerance and inter-faith collaboration, my cabinet was diverse and talented.

    “In the exercise of government, I did not give a thought to whether a team member was Christian or Muslim, Yoruba, Igbo or Arewa. I have never lent myself to baseless prejudice and discrimination.

    “To do so would be a recipe for failure in the governance of a diverse society and I am not a man that is familiar with failing,” Tinubu said.

    He added that he never chased people out of Lagos nor made them feel unwanted, saying that under his administration, Lagos welcomed all comers and continued to do so today.

    The APC presidential candidate said he saw Nigerians as equal and as brothers and sisters in our national family.

    This, he said, meant that no one was inherently inferior or superior to anyone else, regardless of faith, place of origin, social status and gender.

    He said anyone who does not hold this fair and equitable view, should not run for president in a country such as Nigeria.

    Tinubu said the Christian body has a great role as the moral compass of the society which he cherishes and would always support.

    “You, as an organisation and as individual leaders of CAN, are entrusted as the watch person of the welfare of this society from a Christian perspective.

    “Which means functioning in an atmosphere of charity, understanding, patience and wisdom. I understand the tremendous importance of your work and have nothing but the deepest respect for your selfless contributions to our national cause,” the APC 2023 presidential candidate said.

    On his choice of Sen. Kashim Shettima as running mate, which had generated lots of controversies, Tinubu assured the CAN that he made the best available choice at his disposal without recourse to religious sentiments.

    “I did not choose Shettima so that we could form a same faith ticket. The ticket was constructed as a same progressive and people- based ideology ticket.

    “I selected Sen. Shettima thinking more about who would best help me govern, picking a Christian running mate would have been politically easier.

    “But the easy way is rarely the right one, the selection of a running mate is at once a very momentous yet very intimate decision.

    “Resting such a key decision on religious affiliation as the primary weight did not sit well with me. I am not saying there were no good and adequate potential running mates of the Christian faith,” Tinubu said.

    He added that Shettima’s faith was immaterial, saying that he is a brilliant man with superior intellectual capacity.

    He further said that Shettima is studious and detailed oriented and enjoys excellent organisation skills and fully understands the vital difference between governance and politics.

    “This exceptionally gifted human being has humility of spirit, courage of his convictions and a strongly progressive world view in harmony.

    “I trust the calibre of the man. I know the great lengths he went in fighting Boko Haram in his state. He did his best to protect the Christian community and rebuilt damaged churches.

    “This man understands the value of our national diversity in all of its ramifications, including religious, he possesses the courage to stand up to those who would wreck that diversity and freedom,” Tinubu explained.

    Meanwhile, the CAN leadership under its new president Daniel Ukoh presented a charter of demands and issues to the APC presidential candidate.

    Some of the demands included: the creation of state police or a decentralised policing system, devolution of power to states and equal rights for all religions and their adherents.

    Others, it added were right to self-determination by all ethnic groups, right to control natural resources by communities that bear them, saying no to open grazing and equitable electoral system among others.

    Tinubu was accompanied to the meeting by his wife, Sen. Oluremi, Sen. Shettima, House of Representatives Speaker, Femi Gbajabiamila and some APC governors and senators.