A statement by the Police Public Relation Officer, PPRO, Salawu Adigun, had advised members of the public to abstain from any form of procession during the Easter festivities for security reasons.
In spite of the warnings by the police, the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, Jos North Chapter still held its annual Easter rally.
The CAN chairman of the chapter, David Bamidele, in an address at
the rally, explained that they were not defying the police warnings but
had sought permission from the State Police Commissioner, Chris Olakpe,
who provided security at the event. However, the rally was not followed
by a procession as in previous years.
The non denomination open air service was held at the Rwang Pam
Stadium under tight security. Addressing the congregation, Mr. Bamidele
said that they had adhered to all warnings from the police but would not
embark on a procession.
“Whoever wants to embark on procession is on his own but we as
authorities of CAN here in Jos North have not allowed such. Please, as
you leave this environment, go back to your respective homes,” he
announced.
It would be recalled that two persons in Nassarawa Gwom area of Jos
North were ambushed and killed last year, shortly after an Easter
procession ended. Several other groups clashed with suspected hoodlums
within Jos while embarking on a procession.
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Mr. Bamidele pleaded with Christians in Plateau State not to
disregard security tips as lives of many Christians have been wasted due
to insecurity. He, however, said no amount of insecurity was capable of
stopping the ‘evangelisation of non-Christians.’
He also lamented that due to insecurity in the state, some persons were practicing their faith “in camera.”
“We are in an era where people hide their bibles while going to
church, it’s not healthy for evangelization. This must stop,” he said.
The cleric decried the spate of killings of innocent Christians
across the country saying “Christians have been persecuted enough.”
Guest preacher at the rally, Nathan Nwachukwu, urged Christians to
stand firm in their faith, believing that their lives in eternity would
be a success.
Prayers for peace, healing of the land of Plateau State and the
deliverance of Nigeria from violence and attacks were offered by the
congregation.
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