Muslims in the Federal Capital Territory, 19 Northern States, and the Christian Association of Nigeria have congratulated Muslims on the successful conclusion of Ramadan and the observance of Eid-el-Fitr.
Northern CAN emphasized the spiritual value of Ramadan in a statement released in Kaduna on Sunday by the organization’s chairman, Rev. John Hayab, and secretary-general, Bishop Mohammed Naga.
“The spiritual activities are significant and rewarding to every faithful, especially those who embrace the teachings as instructed in the Holy Books,” the statement read.
The group also expressed grief over the killing of 16 travelers in Uromi, Edo State, describing the incident as a tragic loss to humanity.
“The pain and anguish their families and loved ones must endure are unbearable, and we can only imagine the depth of their sufferings. May God grant them comfort, strength, and solace during this darkest of times,” the group said.
Condemning the attack, CAN labeled it a “heinous act of violence” and called for justice.
“This heinous act of violence is a stain on our collective humanity, and CAN condemns it in the strongest terms. The brutal taking of innocent lives is a tragedy that should unite us all in our outrage and determination to ensure that justice is served,” it said.
The association urged Nigerians to see the attack as an affront to shared humanity, stating, “As Christians, we stand in solidarity with their families, recognizing that this act of violence is not only an attack on any region but on our shared humanity.”
In their statement, Northern CAN appealed for peace, urging those advocating for retaliation to reconsider.
“We extend our deepest and most heartfelt condolences to the immediate families and relatives of the victims. We pray that God grants you the strength and courage to bear this unbearable loss.
“Revenge is not a solution but a recipe for further chaos and destruction. It is the innocent who would suffer again, and the cycle of violence would only worsen,” it added.
CAN also condemned the use of stereotypes and divisive rhetoric to justify criminality, emphasizing that “evil is evil, and criminals must be treated as such without recourse to identities that criminals use to evade justice.”
The statement cautioned that generalizations based on religion, race, or geography encourage distrust and violence and urged Nigerians to reject them.
“Instead, we must work toward a future where every Nigerian can live without fear of violence or persecution, regardless of their location within the federation,” it added.
Northern CAN urged the federal government, Edo State government, and security agencies to look into the killings thoroughly and make sure those responsible are held accountable.
It mentioned, “It is crucial that they take immediate and transparent action to bring the perpetrators to justice. Strengthening our justice system to ensure swift and fair punishment for perpetrators of crime is essential for lasting peace in our nation.”
The statement concluded with a call for unity and collaboration toward building a peaceful and just society.
“We firmly believe that by breaking the cycle of violence and ensuring justice, we can create a safer and more harmonious society for all Nigerians,” Northern CAN said.
