By Caleb Ayansina & Imanuel Jannah

ABUJA—The Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, yesterday, accused President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration of displaying lackadaisical attitude towards discrimination against Christians, saying the situation had assumed a dangerous dimension.

CAN’s accusation came against the backdrop of the murder of 42-year-old mother of seven, Mrs. Eunice Elisha, on Saturday, July 9, while she was preaching at Kubwa area of Abuja, FCT. This came as the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, RCCG, Pastor Enoch Adeboye, yesterday, visited the home of the late preacher. Adeboye met with late Eunice’s husband, Pastor Olawale Elisha, and the entire family at about 6a.m. to commiserate with them.

CAN kicks

CAN, the national Christian body chronicled the killing of Nigerians on the basis of religion. CAN, in a statement by the General Secretary, Rev. Musa Asake, said: “About a month ago in Kano, Mrs. Bridget Agbaheme, a 74-year-old Christian was murdered at Wambai Market after an altercation with a Muslim man, who came to the front of her shop to perform ablution.

“Just last week, a clergyman of the Evangelical Church Winning All, ECWA, Reverend Zakariya, was killed by attackers suspected to be Fulani herdsmen in Obi Local Government Area of Nasarawa State. “They attacked him on his farm, and cut off his limbs and head. Another fresh news reaching us is that of the Fulani herdsmen that is back on rampage, killing 81 people in multiple attacks in Logo and Ukum Local Government areas of Benue State.

“The recurring murder of innocent Nigerians on the basis of religious intolerance demands specific and relevant response from all concerned citizens in the country.” He said this was necessary “when the government in power seems to have adopted an attitude of lukewarm response to the evils being perpetrated in Nigeria in the name of religion.

“The discrimination against non-Muslims in Nigeria under the Buhari administration is assuming a dangerous dimension that should not be left to the vagaries of time and circumstance to resolve. “Before the situation escalates into an unmanageable crisis, Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, is calling on authorities at the states and federal levels to do everything possible to bring the perpetrators to justice.

“These attacks on Christians and the authority’s inaction is becoming unbearable and may not be tolerated anymore. “We pray that God, in His mercy, shall comfort and strengthen the families of all Nigerians affected in these unwarranted murders unleashed upon the nation by religious extremists.”