₦airaland Forum

Well i know that the igbos historically had traded with the Idomas and possibly moved up north gradually due to trade.I also know the Hausa have moved alot to in terms of trade to the central areas and basically had begin responsible for the movement of bulk goods between places and peoples.So trade of rear commodities may have allowed exchange and language interactions.Allowing the Hausa and Igbo meet and move business together.Explaining the significant number of Igbos in Kano and NW mainly. secondly the colonial masters also moved people employed by them for labour and security goals.

Are you kidding me!!! better leave brothers because this people lack understanding o!What they know is Boko haram is northern and Muslims.So when chips are down you will definitely take the blame.Better hit the road back home.The Police and commissioner to the state government can do jack shit when things go sour.better move!!! Until there is understanding forget it.

Boko Haram: Bayelsa allays fears of Northerners in the state over reprisal attack

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Written by Oluwole Ige, Yenagoa Sunday, 08 January 2012
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AS members of the dreaded Boko Haram step up their attacks on Christians and Southerners in the North, Bayelsa State government, on Friday allayed fears of the Hausa resident in the state over likely reprisal attack on them.

The state government assured all northerners, most specially the Muslim community and other non-indigenes not to panic or entertain fear of being attacked over the escalation of violence by Boko Haram terrorists in the North.

In a press statement, signed by the Bayelsa State Commissioner of Information, Communication and Strategy, Chief Nathan Egba-Ologo, a copy of which was made available to Sunday Tribune, the incumbent administration assured Northerners, residing in the state capital and other parts of the Bayelsa to go about their normal business without fear of attack, intimidation and molestation.

According to the statement, “The Boko Haram threat to Christians in the North and indeed the general security issues in some parts of the country are challenges in a developing society like ours and will definitely be subdued with time”

“The state government wishes to reassure our northern brothers and sisters that their safety is guaranteed under the law and there is no need whatsoever to panic”, the statement added.

It further reads in part, “Bayelsans respect the secularity enshrined in the 1999 constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria which explains why there has not been and there will not be any crisis arising from differences in religion or worship”.

It emphasized that the people of Bayelsa were conscious of the fact that in the chequered history of the nation, President Goodluck Jonathan, from the South-South is piloting ship of Nigeria and would therefore not engage in any act that could disrupt the peace in the state, even in the face of Boko Haram threat.

trying to trace your root or reintegrate your lost brothers from Israel.It is possible they staged during there migration from the holy land as some how suggested by some igbos about there link to israel?

I say learn from the survival instinct in Plateau of hausa,fulani and Berom communities.Bigger numbers better,good guns cool and being alert or informed is critical.Then some actions tell you what to expect due to peculiarities in the past.When the indicators trigger you better be within your base of control and ready to defend.shikenan.

PointB:
Flash points will always gain more attention by the security personnel, bearing arms will give them fighting chance and increase their survival rate while at the same time reducing the frequency of the attacks. Why do you think the Berom in Jos are still standing despite the size of the fulani/hausa attackers.

like I said earlier those who have no interest to protect should return while those who have cogent reason to stay should be armed and ready and possible take the fight to identified targets. If the north is to be declared a war zone so be it!

I can tell you that before now the beroms had a field day invading and destroying anything hausa and fulani community.The advent of small arms ensure the balance and not the other way.You can't justify your claims.Let me give you an instance.Do you think if not the element of surprise can the few hundred Fulani attackers carry out an attack on a community with thousands of people like that?Get your facts straight.The Fulani attack at night and element of surprise is the way.They simply attack vulnerable spots.Also you can't really be alert all day all night sometimes you let your guards down.
     Berom have killed and cleared hausa communities in heigpang,Kuru karama,farin gada,Gada biyu,Bauchi by pass,vom and alot more.find out.
The Beroms have also tried such revenge assaults only that media rarely report such.In most cases the communities they seek to attack is mostly alert because the Hausas and fulani know better. that the goals of the Berom is to wipe them clean.Both sides have militias and also sentry to protect them.But somehow the Beroms a times let there guards down simple.The hausa/fulani communities have grouped into large areas they control like heart of bukuru,Barkin ladi,Jos main town etc.Making it even harder to be attacked by Berom Militia because they are also armed and in there hundred of thousands.The best the Berom do is lay ambush on motorist and pick out there will be victims to kill.Which always expose them to law enforcement coming to disperse them.
    If you see a berom militia mob in attack mod you freak out,but knowing it is about suffering the fate of kuru- karama and tim-tim victims if you lose, you would better fight to the death and that survival instinct keeps people alive.They come in numbers because they mobilize communitiy upon community.They would cover and entire landscape.Men and women.Guns do most of the trick and guts.they got guns too.But when they are in the open invading an armed community they suffer serious casualties.Making it unthinkable.when such happen guys i tell you the army needs armored vehicles and gun ships to hault it.Otherwise army on foot is target.

whether it is time?People inclusive of the Igbos have being doing that since before now.Maybe you mean add more and let everyone do same.The foolish thing about arming is that the person after you would try to match that.before now it was less sophisticated but with time the crisis has made small arms prevalent so its about how many and guts to use them or run.
Like in Jos Ak47 is sold massively as low as 120k to 140k.Knowing that arms are smuggled from the northern borders and sometimes from the south of Nigeria.I can tell you in every community in Jos people keep a number of various fire arms.Its all about how to use and guts.Sick country i tell you.
This said it is highly possible small arms are everywhere now.South and North,reason GEJ has continue to ask the UN for control over small arms.Mutual suspicion has cause a serious demand for them.People hardly even care about pump action or single barrel.They go for automatic rifles to make more damage.So it is about what you feel you enemy is capable of doing.

Against Muslims? what you mean is against boko haram or any aggressors.Other wise if it is against Muslims you are simply asking for more than you can chew!!!!

no try am abeg !! Already Nigerian leaders have a scheme to starve people.You need your energy it is not worth it.

I want to use this as a medium to solicit for the unity of the Northern youths and the revolt of the youths against extremism.We can't let some evil group come and hijack the society and turn the communities to ruin and the leadership to ridicule.Today the sons and daughters of the north hardly see or know what future they hold.Today life is worthless under this group,is this Islam or is this North ?We most not allow this so called Boko haram take the north.I say we stand and match them.In other to define our future and rain in the rules that exist before the status quo and give sanctity to our community and respect for rights.
The actions of this dreaded group has instill fear and has fragmented our society.There devilish acts that lack any justifiable cause must be matched not in words alone but in action and exposure!We all know most of our leaders have wronged us and remain selfish.I don't want to accuse anyone of sponsoring the Boko haram activity,not withstanding it is time to close ranks and show that the will of a group can no longer challenge the collective desires of a people for survival.Boko haram can be defeated on our lands and we can do it.We don't in share in there actions and we mustn't allow the regional divide over take us and suggest our nonchalant response.We have a duty to ensure our society is ruly and habitable for people to live and do there business peacefully.Not where people can take lives of scholars,leaders and anyone who speaks out against there evil deeds.We all know beyond doubt that neither Islam nor our cultures would tolerate such impunity.Those killed what was there offense?What condemns them to death?Boko haram beyond doubt is alien and partly composed of misguided elements from the northern people and we should not let this continue.Families must watch there children and think of there future.Worldly gains must not drive people to insanity.People trading there life for monies and erring religious doctrine.You mustn't die in wrong deeds.We have a duty to know and ensure we are on the right path.If only they knew better about sucide in Islam,Killing a law abiding person,causing pains,inflicting harm and causing fear/trouble in the land they would not die in such deceitful acts under groups like Boko haram.
Regardless of faith and tribe today Borno,Yobe,Plateau,Kaduna etc have being affected and brought to situation we all have no peace or reason to feel safe.Its our collective duty to save the North.Rise against any violence and any form of group wedging war or being sympathetic to destabilizing the North regardless of there status.WE CAN RECLAIM THE NORTH FOR US AND THE FUTURE!!!! LETS RESIST ANY FORM OF MILITANCY OR EXTREMISM FOR BLOOD LETTING!!!!
As good Muslims we must all remember our duties to protecting our neighbors,we must know that a non-believer has rights and this rights include to worship,live peacefully within our domains.We must do things because of God and not because of fear.Our scholars who are knowledgeable have spoken time and time again.They have define the group Boko haram as evil and UN-Islamic.As such we must label them so and resist any in our community.We must be observant and we must report suspicious activities.Where we can't stop them.We must ignore the criticisms from the south and do this for ourselves and for God sake.In the Qur'an "Suratul Kafirun" clearly says alot about allowing people and minding yours.We are not oppressed and we owe a duty to protecting subjects that pay taxes to our communities and do there bids to keep peace in our domains.There slaughter is not justifiable and its honestly devoid of any Islamic support.Boko haram are wrong and have chosen a part to only spill blood and bring destruction.Is that what Islam says and is that what the Northern culture encourages.I say a big NO!!!!!We should not and never let this people take us down the road to destruction.We need to fight this by acting.It has gone beyond being quiet and silently saying no!!! act now and save tomorrow.The North is burning,our North and lives are taken everyday.
WILL YOU THEN RISE TO THIS AND RESIST THE TROUBLE MAKERS AMONGST US and DO YOUR DUTY TO PROTECT YOUR NEIGHBOR ??

Suratul Kafirun:
Say, "O disbelievers, [1] I do not worship that which you worship, [2] nor do you worship the One whom I worship. [3] And neither I am going to worship that which you have worshipped, [4] nor will you worship the One whom I worship. [5] For you is your faith, and for me, my faith." [6]

reservered !!!!

It comes like that in a full package,While your brain decides when to apply it!!!!!

It's sad that alot of us simply play to the gallery,While things fall apart in Nigeria.My take on this is regrettable and sad.We as a people let ourselves be sucked in to this cycle of violence by justifying why we should take our neighbor an enemy and cause him harm.I am not a party to this madness.We can choose to fight this together or do it separately there by suggesting reprisals and bring in more people hoping for a taste of blood.The orgy of violence and blood letting may flourish.If we keep thinking like animals.What are the problems and how can we draw an acceptable strategy or harmonize our goals to tackle this people, party,group,politicians or tribal/religious interest.
   We all have an alternative to this, identify our enemies, resist it together and be able to define our future.We can do it together than separately.If the goals of boko haram is to split the nation, lets show them greater harmony.If the goal of boko haram is to bring the voted government down, then it is only right we support the government now that ever.If boko haram wants to ruin the nation lets do the opposite and build her from all facets.If they want to make it un-governable then we mustn't fall for it by acting as they want causing more problems and escalating the situation but motivate the government and work with her as a people to make It governable.If boko haram choose to cause harm then lets make sure justice is done and they are brought to book.Insisting that FGN publish the sponsors and we insist that such communities join the nation in isolating them for Justice to take place under the watchful eyes of the people.
     BOKO HARAM is violent and trying to cause mayhem,being unruly and unjust!!! We seem to be acting in words like her suggesting more!!!! Don't let them use you Nigerians.The enemy is Boko Haram and not Nigeria!!!!!

Just predictable!!! Some how i knew that it would turn tribal sooner than later or turn into a battle.Already the SS is reminding the North yet again about its readiness to unleash harm to it,simply because of a protest that happens to be national and devoid of a particular tribe but all tribes.If the SS hate for the North is firm,we share same and all the treat they pose we understand and i know its best we watch until a day where the fools will reach there fill and there kai-kai will take them into a frenzy that spells war before they know Better.
        Always blowing hot and intimidating people.Who the Bleep are you guys.Just bring it on.No one is a fool  or scared here.If you like, because GEJ na your man open una hand collect the man feces and feed on it,so we know just how you crave to follow him all the way nonsense!!!

Well you gun them down and sparked a massive slaughter of your kins men and your daft self!!! Mumu if only you knew better.where ever you are,you will for ever regret this action.That is the first single move that derailed any chance of this nation sticking to its true democratic or transitional tenants.

Nassarawa is fine.Maybe you should be worried your route to nassarwa.Very Peacefull!!!!!

solaugo:
The Nigerian Police has dismissed the purported ultimatum given to southerners living in the Northern parts of the country by Boko Haram to relocate from the areas in view of the state of emergency issued by President Goodluck Jonathan as a rumour.

Speaking with Vanguard in Abuja, Monday, the Deputy Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Yemi Ajayi said that the Nigeria Police was ready to protect every Nigerian irrespective of where they live.

He pointed out that the Police had heard about the rumour of the ultimatum and would like to assure Nigerians not to panic as the Force was determined to ensure adequate protection for lives and property of Nigerians.

He said, “we have heard the rumour but whether it is rumour or not, we want to assure Nigerians to go about their lawful duties. The police is ready and determined to protect Nigerians at all times. It is our duty and we will not shy away from that”

A purported spokesman for Islamist group, Boko Haram, had issued an ultimatum to christians in the northern part of country to leave the place within three days.

According to the spokesman, Abul Qaqa, the group was also ready to confront soldiers who would be deployed to the local government areas where the President had declared State of Emergency.

“We find it pertinent to state that soldiers will only kill innocent muslims in the local government areas where the state of emergency was declared,” he told journalists in a phone conference late Sunday.

“We would confront them squarely to protect our brothers.”

Speaking in the Hausa language common throughout the north, Qaqa said “we also wish to call on our fellow muslims to come back to the north because we have evidence that they would be attacked.

“We are also giving a three-day ultimatum to the southerners living in the northern part of Nigeria to move away.”

http://www.vanguardngr.com/2012/01/boko-haram-ultimatum-no-cause-for-alarm-police-assures-nigerians/

^^^^^The bolded seem to contradict!!! Is it xtians or southerners?

If to say na one Hausa/Northern man now hell for don let lose.Why is it in Nigeria the double standard is just disgusting and ridiculously obvious.Now people realize he doesn't speak for all.Now people think he is not well but if ti came from a Northern man by now some people would have being suggesting that it has always being a grand plan and a need to ask for international intervention or worst.
For me the typical average Igbo man and some southern people simply hate anything north.

@op
I strongly believe your view is not ideal!!!Lets pray that God touches him and change our leaders to meet the expectation of the common man in Nigeria!!!! May God make the evil doers in the land also be touched in there numbers to repent before they are doomed.Amin.

He is a good guy and even after the xmas bombing he was on a forum on vision FM Abuja and he talked about the problem of not arresting people from previous crimes and crisis in the country and how politics has brought about sentiments in Nigeria.His final position and advice to GEJ was to cement the fabric of neighborliness in Nigeria.The concerns of Nigerians and the prosecution of criminals. The disconnect he said has allowed people to divide and carry out treats to the nation at large with no implication.As usual he also stated that PDP is the party leading Nigeria to destruction.
    So instead of blaming him.Maybe talk to the bias media in Nigeria to be more balanced and report such things.Blow out of proportion some issues while down playing others to suite there masters of destruction.More over its not a most to come out and condemn anything let government do there Job period!!!!! Whether condemned or not.The position of El-rufai will not change the status quo.Its about the FG tackling the issues at hand.
All this checking your hate list and asking why this or that kept quite is not a solution but a weapon to push sentiments towards  or against a people.We have alot of people national that are simply minding there business and down playing issues to avoid being sucked in and they deserve there right to keep quiet.We should only be worried if they are directly encouraging it.During the same interview El rufai raised that issue that anytime they try to support FG in critical issues people are just up to blame them.So he said they have decided to mind there business.With alot response here i think they are better off quiet shikena!!!!

"MSSN is an acronym for the Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria. It is an Islamic organization whose members range from Muslim students of various categories to working-class Muslims. The hierarchical structure of the organization includes the National Secretariat, zones, area units, area councils and branches which are spread all over Nigeria. "


^^^I don't see Yoruba or Hausa in there.
I have held positions of this group from secondary school and tribe means absolutely nothing. considering i myself was never a native of such state and i held position.Then we have school branches collected to area,Zonal,Regional and national.We share alot in common and Only devotion and Islamic Knowledge makes you lead that group.Leaders and officials are taken from the Most Islamically knowledgeable students,devoted and decent active members of the group by a shura group that is made of multi tribe or out going exco.Before elections/selections within the group and see no boundaries.There is no single MSSN that is a 100% same tribe in Nigeria and i challenge anyone to that.

Never being confused in my life before!!!

strategising and regrouping i think!!! All militancy and anti Nigerian group need to go down period !!!!

Nchara and bluetooth could you guys simply just drop the tribal bigotry and prefer solutions nicely without compounding the issue.Some folks are fighting over some issues and taking lifes,while you two simply remind us your own NL tribal impending battles and ranting.

"Bubu Galadima Congress for Progressive Change CPC national secretary Bubu Galadima said many people in the north felt marginalized and excluded from wealth and opportunity."
@op
while you hammer on, can you draw you mind to who he is referring to as victimizing the north It could be the same Northern elders or even the political rival dominating the northern politics aka PDP. but as it is,always the focus is one connecting such people to Boko haram by your kind.Look closely knowing without doubt the poverty is enabling it and yes marginalization of the population by the elite too.So maybe a clear understanding could allow us see beyond that.Because if you reference same with the SS,yes they too were deprived largely because of the elites at home and at the federal level.
By and large i don't see why criminality should be rewarded.A deterrent must be set.They should be dealt with regardless.We can't continue to support madness and call it rights.We always try to encourage criminality by suggesting struggles.I stand with no dialogue or compensations.Its also likely that the improvised in the north are sympathetic because of ignorance and here the FG/state and local must work hard to discourage and enlighten people about the groups real motive and the dangers.So it is clear you support at your own pearl.I still maintain even at that the support is not substantial or beyond the simple well why do i care after all who gives any damn about me.Serious orientation should be carried out to let people know about the destructive wishes of militant groups.It is same thing with cultism in tertiary schools.I can tell you simple orientation stop my recruitment or support for some groups.You are prepared.Since groups like this try to build on lies.It is for NGO's and Government to bombard the populace on there favorite radio and TV shows with horrifying implications and actions of such stupidity so families despise such.Show the family of a sucide bomber and document on there plight after such.Show families broken and shaken after losing family members recruited by the BH.Show funerals of slain BH members with relatives mourning.Its a psychological war at its best.Than a real conventional one.Win this and sweep the left overs.You would find families run to stations looking for members missing being scared they could be recruited and all that.

Well said except, for the fact you seem to make the blame look like a collective northern agenda!!!! GEJ can do more,if he took chance or will.GEJ could work with anyone or not but with carefully laid out policy things can simply fall into place one after the other.Before the amnesty if you must know the situation was alien and no body knew a solution exist.Simply because the request of the militants at first was unacceptable and mostly impossible to realize within a short time.Even after the amnesty alot of them still held there grouse and simply said a wait and see is better.How then did FG to get to them is best known to them.But i know trial and error may have being used to get them there and the single boyloaf move changed everything.
Okay till date we have some of the militant threatening to go back over wages not paid and other things.Rather than resort to violence alot has changed.Because they would rather protest or simply go public.From shooting to be heard to dialogue and then moderation.
So the questions is how did a northern man in power solve an issue that wasn't from his zone and against a people who seem him as a parasite and with an agenda meant to destroy them?Why then can't GEJ explore options to reach a similar position?whether using carrot or stick (don't care).MEND as we know then got support from communities,foreigners and political elements in the ND!!Reasons for the groups BH or MEND is not the issue but how to tackle it using the right means.where communication or force maybe required then apply it.The Issue is simple GEJ does not command any form of authority his presence or words hardly give him the desired respect to command a nation at such a atime.
It is obvious the situation has changed but as a leader wisdom and proper management of different situations is expected of you.No single leader in Nigeria has come to meet exactly the same problem and non has used exactly the same solution.So device yours and see how it fits.where it requires modification keep trying and gauging until a solution from you is found.Rather than make people chew on cheap useless views.

:d :d :d :d Well for me i think disunity is eating into Nigeria and its pillars faster than you think.Definitely she is crumbling!!! Where is the usual united talk by NIREC?I also see the CAN presido at it accusing NSCIA again,even after the sultan and some northern figures have come out to condemn the act and sympathize with the victims.Abi the man to skip pages or prefer selective amnesia in such issues?
Its not about CAN or NSCIA or traditional rulers or GEJ.Its about what the political class has brought upon us with the divide and rule.Religious/regional/tribal politics.Here we are today exhibiting the typical brainwash syndrome of suspicion and sentiment driven judgements.We are so brain washed that in the Nigerian's instinct now are so sentiment driven along religious and ethnic ideology that we are doomed!!! NIREC is divided,religious places are now political LovePeddler houses,citizens are militant,activist are now regional mouth piece,nationalist are now tribal warriors etc I say we are ripe for separation don't you think !!!!
Already the security apparatus of the government is systematically become polarized (that is what slightly holds us together),they go and it ends. GEJ or no GEJ.Today we all await for the news of an out break or who/ what becomes the first punch to start the mayhem and blood bath. (God help us!!!).A confirmation of our hypocrisy
Abeg presido you are not confused and you are not weak but you have met a gigantic enemy called Nigerians that are furious and evil!!!It may include you Mr presido but your oath to work for the place called Nigeria, will not see light.All because of those brainless things inhabiting her roaming around.Nigerians are the problem of Nigeria!!! We make her what she is and like GEJ,she could make you and break you(from a shoeless peasant to president).So if she puts you there and decide not to support you,definitely your effort would seem small or useless.Just don't worry or kill yourself over her.She deserves what befalls her.

President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Pastor Ayo Oritsajefor

By Nduka Nwosu, Ahamefula Ogbu, Yemi Akinsuyi and Paul Obi

President Goodluck Jonathan last night promised a shake-up in the security system as part of his efforts to check the spate of bombings in the country.

He promised that since the expectations of the people from government was for it to do more, he would surely "do more" to contain the situation.

He spoke when the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) led by its President, Pastor Ayo Oritsajefor, visited him to brief him on the position of CAN on the Christmas Day blasts.


Jonathan pleaded with both Muslims and Christian leaders to close ranks and with the cooperation of all Nigerians, the menace which has been on the increase globally would be contained "as good will prevail over evil".

"At the security level, we are doing our best. We will restructure, we will re-adjust and make sure we get a team that will meet with the challenges we are facing today. When in December 2009, a Nigerian was caught in a flight to US, we were all surprised and embarrassed. We thought such people were not living with us, that probably he was contaminated outside. Now we have come to meet the reality that we have terrorists and even suicide bombers among us. We must fish them out. We only ask for the cooperation of all Nigerians.

"And I will plead with religious leaders, both Muslim and Christian leaders, to work together because terrorism is like a cancer to the body, it starts from somewhere and spreads to all the organs of the body. It is like a flood and a big storm; it starts from somewhere and before you know, it goes to places you never expected. So if anybody is dancing round and thinking that it is not their turn today, they will be worse off. So the best thing is for all religious leaders, opinion and traditional leaders to work together," he said.

He asked CAN not to see the attacks as being targeted at Christians since a terror attack on one person is a terror attack on all which has to be resisted by all, adding that he also feels the pains of the Christians, the loved ones and relations of those who died in the bomb incidents.

He further explained that the bombers were like people throwing stones in the market without minding if it hits their own mothers, adding: "I have listened attentively to the statement of CAN but let me again reassure CAN and indeed Nigerians that any terror attack on any individual or structure in this country is an attack on all of us because terrorists don’t have boundary. That is why some of them can even go to the extreme of suicide bombing."
The position paper read by Oritsajefor said Christians had been silent for long over the bombings, and that the situation rather than abetting, was worsening with places of Christian worship being targets.

He said over 50 worshippers were killed in the attacks in Jos, Madalla and Yobe states on Christmas eve.

CAN also expressed displeasure at the response of Muslim organisations "which never came out to condemn the attacks", and warned that should there be further provocative attacks, they would have no option than to retaliate.

"Having reviewed the pattern trend and frequency with which these terror crimes occur, it fits into the profile of Islamic Jihad over the years on the Christian community, It is considered as a declaration of war on Christians and Nigeria as an entity.

"CAN has found the responses of the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs and other Islamic bodies on this matter to be unacceptable and an abdication of their responsibilities over their extremist members. It is on record that most religious, traditional and political leaders in the North have not come out openly to condemn the extremist activities of Boko Haram. We hold them responsible for what is happening, because they have not taken concrete steps to check the excesses of their members," he said.

He warned that the Christian community was fast loosing confidence in the ability of the government to protect them and "the consensus is that the Christian community nationwide would be left with no other option than to respond appropriately if there are any further attacks on our members, churches and properties".

He reassured the government of the unalloyed support of Christians across the country and pledged to always support the administration with prayers for its success.

Earlier, Oritsajefor spoke at Madalla, Niger State, where he had visited to commiserate with the priest and members of St. Theresa’s Catholic Church.

The new death toll released Wednesday by the church put the figure at 36.

Speaking to journalists, the CAN President, who was accompanied on the trip by the association’s executive council members, said: “As CAN President, I will not encourage revenge, but I will ask all Christians to protect themselves anyway they can. Why should anybody come and kill you in your house, protect yourself, protect your place of worship, protect your property.”
The position paper read by Oritsajefor said Christians had been silent for long over the bombings, and that the situation rather than abetting, was worsening with places of Christian worship being targets.

He said over 50 worshippers were killed in the attacks in Jos, Madalla and Yobe states on Christmas eve.

CAN also expressed displeasure at the response of Muslim organisations "which never came out to condemn the attacks", and warned that should there be further provocative attacks, they would have no option than to retaliate.

"Having reviewed the pattern trend and frequency with which these terror crimes occur, it fits into the profile of Islamic Jihad over the years on the Christian community, It is considered as a declaration of war on Christians and Nigeria as an entity.

"CAN has found the responses of the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs and other Islamic bodies on this matter to be unacceptable and an abdication of their responsibilities over their extremist members. It is on record that most religious, traditional and political leaders in the North have not come out openly to condemn the extremist activities of Boko Haram. We hold them responsible for what is happening, because they have not taken concrete steps to check the excesses of their members," he said.

He warned that the Christian community was fast loosing confidence in the ability of the government to protect them and "the consensus is that the Christian community nationwide would be left with no other option than to respond appropriately if there are any further attacks on our members, churches and properties".

He reassured the government of the unalloyed support of Christians across the country and pledged to always support the administration with prayers for its success.

Earlier, Oritsajefor spoke at Madalla, Niger State, where he had visited to commiserate with the priest and members of St. Theresa’s Catholic Church.

The new death toll released Wednesday by the church put the figure at 36.

Speaking to journalists, the CAN President, who was accompanied on the trip by the association’s executive council members, said: “As CAN President, I will not encourage revenge, but I will ask all Christians to protect themselves anyway they can. Why should anybody come and kill you in your house, protect yourself, protect your place of worship, protect your property.”