The Northern States Christian Elders Forum on Tuesday condemned the killing of a Catholic priest, Rev. Father Achi, in Niger State and the abduction of 25 other Christian worshippers in Katsina State by terrorists last Sunday.
NOSCEF also expressed concern over the rising wave of insecurity in some parts of the region ahead of the general elections across the country.
These were contained in a statement by NOSCEF’s Chairman, Ejoga Inalegwu, released to journalists in Kaduna on Tuesday.
The statement read, “NOSCEF again expresses concern over the incessant killings in the North, specifically targeting Christian clerics. Communities in southern Kaduna and Niger States are the most affected.
“With the improved surveillance and deterrent measures being taken by the security forces to tackle insecurity, we are surprised at the deteriorating situation arising in these areas.
“We call on the governments at the state and federal levels to give the security forces the needed support to sustain the push against the insurgency plaguing the nation, especially as we approach the 2023 elections, so that no section of the country is disenfranchised on grounds of insecurity.”
The forum expressed surprise that while politicians were able to make night visits to areas of hitherto high insecurity without any incidents, sustained attacks against communities in southern Kaduna were recorded at about the same time.
