The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Kaduna State has revealed that the association has shut down over 200 churches in the last four years following the frequent attack by bandits.
He also revealed that about 23 pastors have been killed.
The Chairman of the association in Kaduna State, Reverend Joseph Hayab, disclosed the figures during a confidence-building meeting with Christian leaders from the 23 Local Government Areas and the state Commissioner of Police, Musa Garba.
According to him, “Let me say this to you Commissioner that over 200 churches in Kaduna have been shut down. The Baptist have over 115 churches shut down from Birni Gwari to Chukun and Kajuru, the churches are no longer there.
“When you go to many churches now you will see many pastors who come from churches that have been shut down because they cannot continue, that is the kind of situation we are facing.
“ECWA can tell you hundreds of their churches, Assemblies of God, the Catholic Church and many other churches. So, we are forced to shut down because of insecurity in Kaduna State, the Kaduna CAN Chairman said.
Other speakers at the meeting tasked the police commissioner to match his words with action by going after the bandits and also consider sanctioning religious leaders who engage in hate sermons and speeches.
