The Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, has raised concerns over the continued killings in Mangu and Riyom Local Government Areas of Plateau State but advised against reprisal attacks.

Quoting reports, CAN said about 130 persons have been killed, 1000 buildings burnt and 22 villages affected.

In a statement on Sunday, the President of CAN, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, said Christians must not allow themselves to be provoked into taking actions that would further escalate the situation.

He said, “We condemn these barbaric acts in the strongest terms possible. It is disheartening to see innocent citizens being killed and their properties destroyed in such a gruesome manner.

“While we appreciate the efforts of the security forces to maintain peace, we call on the government and law enforcement agencies to bring the perpetrators of these heinous acts to justice and to ensure the protection of lives and properties of all citizens.

“As a religious leader, I implore all parties involved to embrace peace and dialogue as a means of resolving their differences. Violence only begets more violence and we must break this cycle if we are to build a peaceful and prosperous society. The villages affected include Fungzai, Hale, Kubwat, Bwoi, and many other communities of the Kombun District of Mangu Local Government Area and some communities in the Riyom Local Government Area.

The Archbishop emphasized that CAN unequivocally opposes any form of violence or reprisal as the association strives to advance the well-being of all individuals, regardless of religious or ethnic background.