Lokoja – The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Kogi has declared a three-day fasting and prayer to solicit divine intervention in the nation’s security situation.

The CAN Chairman in the State, Archbishop Emmanuel Egbunu, made the declaration in Lokoja on Wednesday when he addressed newsmen.

He was responding to the killing of 17 Christians at the Deeper Life Bible Church, Otite in Okene, on Monday.

Egbunu, the Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Lokoja, said though the attack was not an isolated one against Christians at worship in recent times, it was a new and dangerous dimension in Kogi.

“Our hearts are heavy over the cold blooded murder.

“This unprovoked attack against unarmed, innocent citizens, right in the place of worship, leaves us in no doubt that it was premeditated, calculated and clearly targeted.

“We call on Christians to pray and fast in their assemblies between Wednesday and Friday to solicit divine intervention in our nation and state.

“This should be continued in the foreseeable future.’’

The chairman reminded the killers that God would call everyone to account for unprovoked bloodshed in peace times and that no one could escape His justice.

He called on all Nigerians to turn to God in true repentance, adding that sin and wickedness constituted a reproach that could only lead to more darkness.

He decried the increasing rate of insecurity and the abuse of Christian grace and forbearance.

The chairman called on people of goodwill to join in the campaign against ethical and moral bankruptcy in the country.

Egbunu commended Gov. Idris Wada and the security operatives for their prompt response to the Okene killings.

He said that CAN and the Council of  the `Ulama’ in the state were forging peaceful co-existence and urged adherents of the religions to reject evil acts.

Meanwhile, Pastor Raymond Ogunjobi, the Overseer of the Deeper Life Christian Church in the state, said that 17 persons died in the attack.

According to Ogunjobi, 15 members of the church were killed on the spot while two died on the way to hospital.

He added that 10 injured persons were receiving treatment at Okene General Hospital while eight were admitted at the Federal Medical Centre, Lokoja. (NAN)

Posted by admin on Aug 9 2012. Filed under Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), General Politics, Religion, Top Stories. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry