The nervous atmosphere of the
Presidential election intensify as the day draws closer in virtually all parts
of the nation, two unknown assailants on a motorcycle have set ablaze a
branch
of Living Faith Church also known as Winners Chapel in Giwa, Headquarters of
Giwa Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
The entire church with all
the contents was destroyed in the incident which took place at about 2:30 pm on
Friday March 20, 2015.
The incident was believed
to be connected with the oncoming presidential elections as it happened few
months after the reported endorsement of President Goodluck Jonathan by the
Founder of the Church, Bishop David Oyedepo.
In reaction, the President
of Tarayyar Masihiyawan Nijeria (Hausa, Fulani and Kanuri Christians), General
Ishaku Ahmed Dikko (retd) and Mr. Sunny Oibe, Director of National Issues in
Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) issued a statement on Thursday, March
26, 2015.
The statement titled,
“Presidential Elections 2015: Signs of what to expect”, called on security
agencies to act fast to avoid violence in the area.
Part of the statement reads……….
“The incidence actually
became more worrisome when no effort was made by passers-by to assist in
putting out the fire. In fact, it was a Fulani herdsman that saw the fire and
reported to the Police Station. Only one Policeman and a Christian volunteer
that ran to the scene and attempted to put out the fire but of course could not
achieve anything.
”This situation and the
circumstances surrounding the incidence are a cause of serious concern. If this
can happen more than a week to the Presidential Elections, what shall we expect
during or after the elections? Is this a sign of what to expect or a dress
rehearsal of a repeat of 2011 Post – Election Violence? This is a wakeup call
to the Federal, State and Local Government Authorities especially the Security
Agencies.
“The Christians in the
North, particularly the Hausa, Fulani and Kanuri speaking Christians, who are
indigenous in these States and live within and among their kith and kin are in
serious jeopardy.”
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