Christian Association on Nigeria Shocked by Government’s Insensitivity towards Christian Security

ICC Note:
The Christian Association of Nigeria has expressed shock over Bauchi’s lift on the ban of motorcycles in Bauchi city. The motorcycles have been used to target Christians for drive-by shootings in the city, so many believe this issue is being ignored by the government as they lift the ban without insuring the security of Christians.      
3/19/2013 Nigeria (AllAfrica) – Bauchi State chapter of Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, has expressed surprise over the state government’s sudden lifting of the ban on commercial motorcycles (Achaba) in Bauchi metropolis, saying the action would heighten the state of insecurity in the area.
The state government had banned the operation of commercial motorcyclists in the wake of last month’s uproar following the kidnap of seven foreigners in the state by Islamist sect and the alleged killings of some residents of Zango area of the state.
However, CAN said it was “shocked to hear that the state government, which earlier announced the ban on the operation of Achaba riders in the state, suddenly rescinded its decision.
Apart from the seven foreigners, who were kidnapped, some unidentified gunmen had also attacked Zango, a suburb of Bauchi State and killed Ayuba Shehu, Freeman Lumi, Godia Rimi, Ishaku Samson, Joseph Komo, Inna Zamba, Samuel Mutashi, Ishaya Jauro and Haruna Ayuba at the residence of a traditional title holder in September last year.
In another recent attack, a businessman, whose name was given as Collins from Akwa-Ibom State was also reportedly killed in his shop.
Reacting to the lifting of the ban on Achaba, state Chairman of CAN, Rev. Lawi Pokti, said the lifting of the ban smacked of “insensitivity on the part of government over the killings of Christians and foreigners alike in the state.
“It is very disheartening that in spite of the selective killings of some innocent people, who are contributing immensely to the development of the state, the government went ahead to lift the ban on Achaba.
“The leadership of CAN is not happy over this development. If this trend continues, Bauchi State will soon become a shadow of itself with almost everybody now leaving the state to other more secure parts of the country.
“From investigations, the perpetrators of these crimes use motorcycles.”
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