The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Taraba Chapter, on Saturday called on warring factions in the violence that broke out in Jalingo following the announcement of the governorship election results in the state to sheathe their swords.
Dr Innocent Solomon, the CAN Chairman in the state, made the call after a tour of the affected areas in Jalingo and a sympathy visit to the victims at the Specialist Hospital and the Federal Medical Center in Jalingo.
Solomon assured the people that CAN and the Muslim Council were working closely with the State government to restore peace in the state.
“We condemn the violence that broke out at the declaration of the governorship election results in the state, and in Jalingo in particular.
“Crises have never done any good to anybody in any society across the world.
“Our politicians must call their supporters to order and join hands with us in preaching peace.
“We want to call on our political leaders to eschew violence and work for the peace of Taraba,” he said.
While commending the role of security operatives in ensuring the return of peace in the state, Solomon called for the release of those arrested in the wake of the crisis being kept in military facility in Jalingo, as a measure toward ensuring peace.
“The continuous detention of those arrested in the military facility in Jalingo without being charged to court is raising concern among the people.
“We made efforts this morning to see the Commander of the military in Jalingo, but we were told he wasn’t on seat, but I am sure he will cooperate with us in finding solution to this problem,”he said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the CAN Chairman, who was accompanied on the visit by the state executives of the association, prayed for the victims and made cash donations to them.