The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Imo State Chapter, has called on the political class to stop fueling crisis and fanning embers of war, particularly in Imo State, while keeping their own family members outside the country.

Addressing a Press Conference at their State Headquarters in Owerri, Wednesday, the Chairman, Revd. Eches Divine Eches (Ph.D), not only condemned in strong terms the attack on Governor Hope Uzodimma’s Country home at Omuma, but the killing of innocent security personnel who are in the state to discharge their constitutional duties.

Rev. Eches also condemned the illegal breaking of the Owerri Correctional Centre to set prisoners free, the burning of vehicles at the Police Headquarters in Owerri and the invasion of Okigwe South Area Command of the Nigerian Police Force that left five police men dead. He called for a stop to the carnage and destruction of lives and property in Imo State.

The Imo CAN Chairman said while the Church is not taking side, the leadership will not fail to call on all the gladiators to sheathe their sword and give peace a chance.

He pleaded to all concerned to stop making Imo State unsafe and sending out panic capable of causing health hazards, especially for the aged.

The Church strongly called for ceasefire and calm at all quarters, noting that Imo people are not known for crisis and destruction, “rather Imo people are known for intellectualism, decorum, resilience and their united spirit not in any way the current banditry.”

The Imo CAN Chairman noted with nostalgia that a State like Imo where almost everyone is a member of one Christian Church or the other should not be associated with the development going on currently.

“There is need for caution because like the saying goes, the danger of creating a monster is that one day it will turn against its master,” he said.

He emphasised: “The world should note that wherever the terror is coming from, whosoever and any group fanning these embers of war, supporting and appropriating it, because it is happening to other person(s) and also in another location, to security agencies, to Governors, CAN condemns their actions.

“Terror like danger does not spare anyone, once it assumes a life of its own, it turns to torment the initiators and soon it might be the person’s turn.”

The Chairman noted that as Christians we are known for patience and tolerance and for allowing the will of God to reign supreme in our lives for which Imo State and her people are known for.

Rev Eches however assured Governor Uzodimma, on behalf of CAN Imo State Chapter, of their unrelenting support through prayers and supplications at all times, noting that “soon the storm will be over and God will take the glory.”

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