The Kaduna state chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria has condoled with families of victims of the terror attack on an Abuja-Kaduna bound train on Monday night.
This was contained in a statement released on Wednesday by the state Chairman of CAN, Reverend Joseph Hayab.
The christian association also lamented that Kaduna State, where huge security votes were expended monthly, had turned out to be a mourning state as a result of banditry attacks.
According to the cleric, the train attack further amplifies the danger that Kaduna people and everyone who does business in the state face due to the rise in banditry and terrorism.
Hayab, who is also the Vice Chairman of CAN in the Northern States and Abuja, called on the Federal Government to do all it could to reverse the disturbing security situation across the state.
He enjoined Christians as well as people of goodwill to pray fervently for the restoration of peace in the state.
Hayab said: “The Christian Association of Nigeria, Kaduna State Chapter, mourns those who died in the Abuja-Kaduna train attack incident on Monday 28th March.
“Sadly, mourning is now an everyday ordeal in Kaduna even though we have a sitting government with huge security votes disbursed monthly. Besides, the train attack further amplifies the vulnerability Kaduna people and everyone who does business in the state face due to the rise in banditry and terrorism.
“CAN and all well-meaning folks have cried that Kaduna residents and visitors across ethnic and religious divides live in fear everywhere and all the time following the dread of bandits have demonstrated more audacity stronger than that of the government of the day.
“Even though banditry is a heinous crime, the bandits appear to have evolved an extended network for intelligence gathering and planning on how to fulfil their mission of terrorising innocent citizens. On the contrary, the resilience of the government and her intelligence gathering happen to be more about settling scores with perceived foes.
“Accordingly, CAN calls on the Federal Government to deploy everything at her disposal to crush the bandits who have had a field day in Kaduna and elsewhere in Nigeria, bringing grieving for the kidnapped or killed to a complete stop.
“On the other hand, we appeal to the security agencies to employ innovative professional strategies for dealing with the situation and repudiate any political interference in security matters. A nation where mourning has become an everyday ordeal cannot be productive because a heart that mourns becomes fragile, unable to think, plan or organise well.
“CAN also calls on all Christians and people of goodwill in Kaduna State to continue to pray and do the needful for peace to reign.
“Meanwhile, our hearts and prayers are with the bereaved families as we pray for God’s comfort. And to those who sustained injuries, we pray for a quick recovery.”