The Northern States Christian Elders Forum (NOSCEF) on Tuesday condemned the killing of a Catholic priest, Reverend Father Isaac Achi, in Niger State and the abduction of 25 other Christian worshippers in Katsina State by terrorists last Sunday.
NOSCEF in a statement via its chairman, Ejoga Inalegwu, also expressed concern over the rising wave of insecurity in some parts of the region ahead of the general elections across the country.
The statement released to journalists in Kaduna read, “NOSCEF again expresses concern over the incessant killings in the North, specifically targeting Christian clerics. Communities in southern Kaduna and Niger States are the most affected.
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“With the improved surveillance and deterrent measures being taken by the security forces to tackle insecurity, we are surprised at the deteriorating situation arising in these areas.
“We call on the governments at the state and federal levels to give the security forces the needed support to sustain the push against the insurgency plaguing the nation, especially as we approach the 2023 elections, so that no section of the country is disenfranchised on grounds of insecurity.”