In Kaduna, bandits have destroyed 200 churches over the course of the last four years, killing no less than 23 pastors in the process.
This was revealed by the chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria’s branch in Kaduna State, Rev. John Hayab, on Tuesday during an emergency meeting at the Albraka Baptist Church in the state capital with Musa Garba, the state commissioner of police, and pastors from all around the state.
According to The PUNCH, it was learnt was meant to discuss on how to collaborate with the church to tackle the spate of insecurity in the state.
“A Pastor who was kidnapped on 8th August, 2023, told the CAN leadership that there are over 215 Christians abducted by the bandits in Birnin Gwani forest. They are still there and the Pastor told us that the bandits asked him to lead prayers for the 215 Christians while he was in their den.
“We are calling on the CP to look into this issue among many others holistically to build the confidence of the people once again.
“We have lost over 23 Pastors to bandits in Kaduna in the last few years. The recent one was the killing of Pastor Reverend Jeremiah Wayo when he went to his farm in Kujama in Chikun local government area. He hails from Kano State and he was serving God in Kaduna when the bandits shot and killed him. He was buried last Monday.
“Then the unfortunate incident that happened in Fadan Kamantan also added to the number of God’s servants that bandits have killed in Kaduna State.
“Let me say this to you, Commissioner, that over 200 churches have been shut down by bandits. The Baptist church probably has over 100 of their churches shut down. From Birnin Gwari to Chikun and Kajuru, the churches are no longer there.
“If you go to many churches you see pastors that came from churches that have been shut down because they cannot continue with it.” he said.
