Insecurity: Cleric tasks FG on criminals in ‘religious clothing’


President of United Church of Christ in Nations, popularly known as Hekan, Reverend Amos Kiri, has urged Federal Government to take action against those hiding under religion to make Nigeria unsafe.


Reverend Kiri lamented that Nigerians are no longer safe on their farms, on the roads and even in their homes, hence the need for government to be proactive in bringing those aiding, abetting or perpetrating the heinous crimes to book.


Addressing the ordination service of 10 newly promoted pastors at Hekan headquarters in Kaduna on Sunday, Reverend Kiri commended President Muhammadu Buhari’s government for its strides in bringing back the good reputation of the country, just as he lamented that, the government’s efforts are dwarfed by rampant kidnappings, armed robbery and unknown gunmen attacks among others.


“The government of the day needs to intensify its actions in curbing this menace. Today, Nigerians are not safe in their farms, on the roads and even in their homes. Government must therefore be proactive in bringing those aiding or physically participating in these heinous crimes to book. The law must be allowed to take its just cause. Most of the perpetrators of these crimes hide under religion to carry out their evil plans.”


The Hekan president also expressed concern over the protracted Tiv and Jukun crisis, calling on leaders of both Benue and Taraba states to eschew bitterness, and allow peace to reign. “The recent killing in these two states is a great thing of concern. The brethren in the two states have been living in harmony together for centuries; inter marrying and sharing common boundaries and traditions. 


“I call on all leaders in the two states to eschew bitterness, bury their hatchet and allow peace to reign. May I also extend this call to other states/communities where clashes still occur to as a matter of urgency, dialogue together and seek for lasting solutions to causes of these crises. Without peace, there will be no development,” he said.


Speaking on the recent abduction of two teachers and six schoolgirls at the Engravers College Kaduna, Reverend Kiri expressed fear that the level of literacy in the country cannot improve if parents don’t have confidence that, their children are safe during school hours. He therefore called on government not to rest on its oars until the victims are released.


The Hekan president reminded the newly ordained pastors of their roles in church development and nation building, saying that, they must exhibit more maturity in the handling of church affairs. 
“The position of a Reverend is an exalted position. You must exhibit more maturity in the handling of church affairs. Bring more innovations and creativity in programming in the church,” he said.

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