Christian Unity Amidst Violence

Rev. Joseph John Hayab, Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Northern Nigeria, warned that faith‑based violence threatens national unity and peaceful coexistence. He emphasized that no Nigerian should be killed because of their religion, tribe, or sect. Hayab made these remarks during a condolence visit to Most Rev. Dr. Jude Arogundade, Catholic Bishop of the Ondo Diocese, following the June 2022 terrorist attack on St. Francis Catholic Church in Owo, which claimed more than 40 lives during a Sunday Mass. The visit was intended to show solidarity with the diocese, encourage survivors and families, and reaffirm the support of Northern Christians for communities affected by terror attacks nationwide.

Hayab described the Owo massacre—and similar attacks elsewhere, especially in the North—as a national tragedy. He urged governments at all levels to prioritize the protection of lives and to ensure justice for victims by taking decisive action against perpetrators, noting that peace and national cohesion cannot thrive in an atmosphere of fear and impunity. Rev. Dr. Ayo Oladapo, former Chairman of CAN in Ondo State, praised Bishop Arogundade as a unifying voice for Christians, observing that the suffering of one part of the Christian body affects the whole. Rev. Fr. Anslem Ologunwa, current Chairman of CAN in Ondo State, highlighted the church’s efforts to support victims, including scholarships for about 60 children of the deceased in various tertiary institutions.

Bishop Arogundade thanked Hayab for the visit, describing it as a strong gesture of empathy and unity. He appealed to government authorities to take decisive action so that citizens can live together in peace, lamenting the brutal loss of life in the Owo massacre. The Bishop also commended the Kaduna State government for sponsoring a Christmas carol aimed at promoting unity. The Owo attack continues to affect the community, with many still recovering from trauma. The church remains active in supporting affected families, demonstrating the importance of solidarity and collective responsibility in the face of violence. As Nigeria confronts the challenges of faith‑based violence, the visit by Rev. Hayab and Bishop Arogundade’s response underscore the need for unity and decisive action to ensure peace and national cohesion.