The Christians Association of Nigeria (CAN), Sokoto State Chapter, has called on the government and other stakeholders to fulfill their responsibility with commitment and wisdom toward addressing insecurity challenges.
The State Chairman of the Association, Rev. Kayode Moses James, stated this while addressing members of various Christian denominations during the Easter Praise and Prayer for Peace, Sokoto State Chapter, held on Monday at Deeper Life Bible Church.
James noted that the theme of the gathering is “Powerful and timeless,” reminding faithful members that prayers are crucial as Nigeria is in one of the most crucial and demanding times as a nation, especially for those in northern Nigeria.
He expressed gratitude for the successful holding of the event as scheduled.
He stated that the prayers were attended and delivered by many churches in the state and members from the 23 local government areas across the state.
Prayers were offered for the peace of Nigeria as Christians celebrate the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
“You are aware of what is going on; I believe some people are scared of meetings like this being held in an open area,” he said.
“But we thank God that despite that, we are able to gather, and our message is clear: Christianity is a religion of peace; we stand for peace.”
He called on people to portray peace and ensure that is what they represent in all the states and the nation at large.
“We cannot gather today without acknowledging the cloud of insecurity that hangs over our state and many parts of the North,” he said.
“Banditry, kidnapping, and violent attacks have brought fear, pain, and loss to many families, both Christian and Muslim.”
He maintained that lives have been cut short, communities have been displaced, and farmers cannot till their land because of insecurity.
“Parents live in anxiety over the safety of their children. Our hearts bleed for the widows, orphans, and all who have suffered in this season of violence,” he said.
He said Jesus calmed the storm on the Sea of Galilee, and He can bring peace to their troubled land.
“We pray today for divine intervention,” he said.
“We call on the government at all levels, security agencies, and all stakeholders to fulfill their responsibilities with greater commitment, wisdom, and action.”
“May the Lord frustrate every plan of the enemy and restore peace to Sokoto State,” he added.
Despite adversity, they remain steadfast, he said, noting that the resurrection of Christ reminds them that persecution cannot silence the truth, and darkness can never overcome light.
“We pray for strength, courage, and divine protection for every believer,” he said.
“As Christians in Sokoto, we have not been spared from targeted challenges. We don’t want to curse or condemn, but to pray.”
“We pray for the perpetrators of these acts that the light of Christ will penetrate their hearts and bring transformation,” he said.
“We pray for justice, for the protection of the vulnerable, and for the Church in Sokoto to continue shining as a beacon of love, forgiveness, and hope.”
He appreciated members of the media for standing with them in sharing their message of faith, hope, and peace.
“Your role in amplifying truth and promoting unity is invaluable. We encourage you to continue to be instruments of peace and fairness in your reporting,” he said.
“Let this Easter season renew our faith. Let us be ambassadors of the risen Christ—agents of peace, promoters of unity, and witnesses of hope,” he added.
“Let our praises be loud, our prayers be fervent, and our lives be testimonies that Jesus is indeed alive.”
He committed the gathering into the hands of the Holy Spirit, praying that the power that raised Jesus from the dead visit every troubled area in the state and bring peace.
