Boko Haram-Nigeria - Northern Christian leaders have said that the aim of Boko Haram is to divide Islamic and Christian communities in Nigeria. The leaders, in a statement, condemned what they called the unforgivable and cowardly attacks on innocent Christian Communities on Christmas Day, a day of peace and celebration. The statement was signed by Arcbishop P.Y Jatau (President Christian Association of Nigeria (19 Northern States), Rev Emmanuel N. Dziggau (President, Tarraya Ekklisiyoyi Kristi A Nigeria (TEKAN), Elder Joshua M. Atureja (President, All Nations Christian Assembly (ANCA), and Evang. Mathew Owojaiye (National Chairman, Northern Christian Elders Forum (NOSCEF).

They said the murder of blameless worshippers has left anguish and pain in too many families, thus leaving the Christian community in sufferings and outrage.

They called on the federal government to ensure that it left no stone unturned in apprehending the perpetrators of the attacks.

Stressing that they must be brought to justice swiftly and dealt with in a way that sends a clear message to their supporters, they demanded that the security services of the state stopped the violence now before it is too late.

"Christianity is based on the principle of tolerance and the willingness to turn the other cheek. We have lived up to this principle so far, but our Christian tolerance is being tested to the breaking point. We have resisted all calls for retaliation but there is a limit to how far our community can continue this tolerance in the face of sectarian violence by Boko Haram.

"Their aim is to divide Islamic and Christian communities in Nigeria. We will do all we can to resist that sectarian warfare. We know from examples all over the world where sectarian conflict leads, and it is to the gates of Hell.

"We reach out to all Muslims in our country, from the highest levels of leadership to the ordinary peace-loving citizens and call on them to work with us to fight against the evil sectarian violence of Boko Haram. We Christians want peace and will do everything we can to bring it about; but we cannot do so alone.

"Whilst we continue our calls for peace and against retaliation, we the Christian community in the North of Nigeria will protect and defend our right to life, liberty and freedom to gather, worship and live according to our Christian faith. We firmly hold onto our belief in a united and indivisible Nigeria," they further affirmed.

Muideen Olaniyi

Daily Trust/03/01/2012