The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Enugu State Chapter has rejected the proposed bill for grazing reserve in the country, describing it as a “private business” that should not be allowed to see the light of the day.
The Association made its stance known at the Government House, Enugu during a peaceful protest to condemn and register their grievances over the unfortunate incident of killing, maiming, raping and destruction of property of innocent people of the state by suspected Fulani Herdsmen, especially the recent attack on Nimbo, Uzo-Uwani Local Government Area.
Addressing Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State who received them, the state Chairman of CAN, Rt. Rev. Christian Obiefuna who was accompanied by other notable clergymen such as the Archbishop of the Ecclesiastical Province of Enugu (Anglican Communion), Most Rev. Dr. Emmanuel Chukwuma, the Archbishop of Methodist Church of Nigeria, Enugu Diocese, Most Rev. Fr. Christopher Ede, among others, urged the federal government not to allow the passage of the alleged bill because of the public outcry and its threat to the peace and unity of the country.
The association also commended Gov. Ugwuanyi for his stewardship, path to peace and recourse to God through prayers, especially during the period of the Nimbo crisis, stressing that the governor “did not abandon his people”.
It condemned the incessant menace of the herdsmen against the people of Enugu State and the South East at large and called on the federal government to compensate those who were affected by various herdsmen attacks in the South-East.
They also called on security agencies to ensure that those behind the killings and destruction of property are brought to book for such an impunity to stop in the country.
“We want to thank the good people of Enugu State for their continuous prayers, solidarity and brotherhood in this trying period. Our prayers must be for peace, progress, unity, rule of law, forgiveness and protection. Enugu State must be peaceful, progressive and protected from any evil.”
Responding, Gov. Ugwuanyi condemned the dastardly act by the suspected herdsmen, assuring them that the latest incident in Nimbo will be the last in the state as the whole world has risen against the killings.
The governor thanked the protesters for their peaceful conduct and reassured them that all those who were involved in the carnage will not go unpunished as his administration has put in place all the necessary measures to unmask the perpetrators and bring a lasting solution to the menace of the herdsmen in the state.
He urged them to remain peaceful, prayerful and law abiding in their quest for justice.
End.
