The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has urged Nigerians not to allow the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict to deepen divisions or inflame religious tensions in the country.
CAN said this in a statement by its president, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, who emphasized the need for understanding, compassion, and peaceful coexistence among diverse religious groups in Nigeria.
According to him, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict holds significant implications for Nigeria’s faith communities, therefore, Nigerians must resist the temptation to allow the conflict to stir or cause division in the country.
Okoh who said that the Christian body is against any act of violence that threatens the lives of innocent individuals, regardless of nationality or religious background expressed deep concern about the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict, which has resulted in the loss of countless lives in the region.
“While recognizing Israel’s right to self-defence, we emphasize the importance of proportionality and the avoidance of harm to innocent civilians in any military response,” the CAN president stated.
While sympathizing with all those who have lost their loved ones in the crisis, Okoh called on all parties involved to immediately do away with violence and engage in dialogue to seek lasting diplomatic solutions to the crisis.
He also called on the international community, the United Nations and relevant stakeholders, to intensify their efforts towards a lasting resolution to the conflicts between the parties.
The CAN president further charged all religious congregations in Nigeria to pray earnestly for peace and unity to return to the region.