The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Adamawa State chapter, has described attacks by herdsmen as an act of terrorism directed at Christian farming communities.
The state chairman of the body, Bishop Dami Mamza made this known on Wednesday.
The chairman said the pattern of attacks seemed to suggest that the attackers were trying to discourage the practice of Christianity, The Sun reported.
The body also criticised the state governor, Jubrilla Bindow for failing to condemn ‘unguarded utterances’ by some government officials about the herdsmen attacks, including a statement by Secretary to the State Government, Umar Bindir justifying the possession of firearms by herdsmen.
Mamza said such utterances appear to present the state government as taking sides and could further escalate herdsmen-farmers clashes across the state.
He said the SSG’s utterances were “dangerous and reprehensible as the law of the country does not allow any civilian the possession of illegal firearms whether Herdsmen or farmers.”
He added that the association would like to state in “unequivocal terms that violent elements are easily emboldened and fuelled to terror killings by such reckless and unguarded utterances.”
Citing instances of herdsmen attacks targeted at predominantly Christian communities, the cleric said, “We are saddened by the death of over 50 people killed in the repeated attacks carried out by herdsmen in Koh Village of Girei.
“This has happened after Lawaru, Dong, Kodomti, Shafaron, Plum, Kikan, Bilachi, Bang and Nzoruwe villages of Fufore, Numan and Demsa fell to the exploit of the same herdsmen and their expatriate mercenaries killing close to 150 people, injuring several hundreds and destroying properties worth millions of naira before the start of Christmas festivities.
“It on record that less than one week ago, no fewer than twenty innocent Christian farmers were killed in separate attacks in and around Tambo.
“Luru village in particular saw its worst days when herdsmen wielding sophisticated firearms stormed the area killing fifteen people.”
“Within the period under review, not less than 10 churches were burnt down and in some instances worshippers killed.
“On the basis of these, we stand to believe that the ongoing carnage is an attempt to discourage Christianity and to silence Christians from free religious practice.”
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