The Adamawa Chapter of Christians Association of Nigeria (CAN) under the leadership of Bishop Dami Steven Mamza insist that the killings of Fulanis in Kikon and Shafuron communities of Numan Local Government areas is never an ethno religious cleansing against the Fulani Muslims.
Mamza refuted an earlier Press statements issued by the Muslim Council of Adamawa State informing the general public that the killings “is rather an ethno -religious cleansing against the Fulani Muslims by some extremist Bachama Militia in that area.”
Bishop Dami in Press statement deeply condemn the killings of the innocent Fulani Women and children and call on the government to bring to book the perpetrators of the wicked act to forestall any future occurrences.
“We equally are aware that tensions are high as photos of those killed are being circulated and watched by the general public. In the interest of peace and to cut the spiral of violence, CAN Adamawa state chapter calls on the general public to disregard any insinuation of painting this conflicts as a religious one. CAN wishes to categorically state that this has nothing to do with religion. Our Christian Religion states in the fift commandment that “Thou shall not kill ” (Ex. 20:13,LK.18:20). Life is sacred and belongs to God. No one has the right to kill for whatever reason.” It reads
The statement continue to read that :”We will not be dragged into the evil spell of a religious conflict because we do not know who these perpetrators are nor those behind it. We are calling on the government, security agencies in the state, the traditional institutions and religious leaders to stand together for peaceful coexistence and harmony. ”
CAN demands immediate cessation of hostilities by the warring parties, a commission of inquiry to be put in place to look into the remote and proximate causes of this crisis and Membership must be evenly drawn between both parties.
Their demands are also to provide relief materials and adequate medical attention to victims of the attacks in Numan and Mubi be made a priority, the perpetrators and sponsors of these evil must be fished out and punished accordingly no matter how highly placed. Compensation to all families that suffered losses of dear ones and properties should also be made.
While reading the statement he appealed to the state government and security agencies to work hard to restore peace in those hots spots of the crisis, assuring that CAN remain committed to peaceful coexistence with all individuals and groups who love peace.
“We call on all to embrace peace, shun hate speech and anything that will incite the general public to breach of public order.” He said
