Borno CAN Chairman presenting the association’s demands at the briefing in Maiduguri
The Borno Chapter of Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has demanded for the setting up of a Judicial Panel of Inquiry to investigate the shootings at Maduganari EYN Church that led to the death of one of its members with five others injured.
The shooting was done by a security team attach to officials of Borno Geographical Information System (BOGIS).
A statement read by the CAN Chairman, Bishop Naga Mohammed, at a press confress in Maiduguri on Saturday, said the panel which should include CAN representative became necessary to fish out the perpetrators of the shooting to face justice.
The statement also called for stay of action on other Churches affected by BOGIS demolition or closure, and the return of all seized phones of members by BOGIS officials.
“His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Borno state, should use his good office to address all existing pressing issues affecting the Christian community in the state.
“We called on our youths and entire Christian community in Borno to remain law abiding and allow themselves to be guided by the teachings of our Lord Jesus Christ.
“We thank the entire Borno citizens for their solidarity, concerns and show of care on the unfortunate and avoidable incident. Also we commiserate with EYN Church, the injured and COCIN Pastor and his family who lost their son.
“We assured that CAN will continue to encourage it people to be peaceful,” the Chairman said.
Already, Gov Babagana Zulum of Borno had condemned the incident and order immediate investigation.
A statement issued on Thursday by Special Adviser to the Governor on Communications and Strategy, Mallam Isa Gusau, quoted the governor condemning the incident.
“The governor condemned, in strong terms, the firing of gunshots by a member of security task force as well as some persons who hurled stones at the task force during an encounter on Thursday.
“One person died and five persons are currently hospitalized,” Gusau said.
Zulum commiserated with families of the person who died and those injured.
“The governor also called the chairman of Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Borno State, Bishop Mohammed Naga, and spoke with him to commiserate with the Christian community, the leadership and family of EYN church in Borno,” he added.
He explained that the governor, who had already invited CAN leadership for a meeting over the incident, also directed the Deputy Governor, Alhaji Umar Kadafur, to visit the hospital where the injured persons are receiving treatment to empathise with them.
According to him, the state government will also take over the cost of their treatment.
