The Kaduna State Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Reverend John Hayab has condemned the killing of the chairman of CAN in Michika Local Government Area of Adamawa State, Reverend Lawan Andimi by Boko Haram on Monday.
During an interview with newsmen, Hayab noted that;
It is a sad day for the church in Nigeria. The news of the killing of Rev Andimi by Boko Haram has added to sorrows, pains and suffering that the Church is facing in Northern Nigeria. This sad news is coming just a day after our dear President Buhari met with the British Prime Minister.
The Reverend in his interview added that;
It wasn’t enough for the government to “condemn” the killings but for concrete steps to be taken to protect the lives of Nigerians. What other evidence do those in authorities in Nigeria want from us to convince them that our members, Pastors and fellow citizens are no longer safe? We have said the condemnation of atrocities without any concrete action is not good enough.
The Kaduna state CAN chairman said people living in the northern part of the country are living in fear of their lives because of the activities of Boko Haram terrorists and other security challenges.
While charging the Federal Government and security agencies to take concrete steps against insecurity in the country, Hayab extended his condolences to the wife of Late Rev Andimi, his children and the church in Northern Nigeria.
On his part, Adamawa state CAN chairman, Bishop Dami Mamza, who broke the sad news to some journalists in Yola, said the insurgents had demanded about N50 million but went ahead to kill the cleric.
He told newsmen that;
Negotiations were still ongoing when they stopped calling. They were offered N50 million but they rejected it. They called his wife last week, informing her that they would be beheading him (Andimi) on Saturday, but somehow, they waited till Monday.
Andimi who was killed on Monday, was from Kwada village in Chibok local government area of Borno state but worked as Michika CAN chairman in Adamawa state before he was abducted early January when the insurgents attacked Michika.
It would be recalled that in a video that surfaced on the internet some days, showed Andimi appealing to his colleagues and Adamawa State Governor to ensure that he returns safely to his home and family.
See video below:
