Religious Killings: Nobody Has Monopoly Of Violence, Christians May Retaliate, PFN Threatens
Dr. Felix Omobude[/caption]
The Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria, PFN, has called on relevant Nigerian authorities to stand up to their responsibilities of protecting lives and property, regardless of religion or tribe.
National President of the PFN, Dr. Felix Omobude, during a press conference on Monday, threatened that Christians may be forced to rise up in self-defense if attacks on Christian communities linger.
Omobude noted, however, that the Christian faith does not permit revenge or else the “nation will be in chaos” if Christians were to carry out reprisal attacks.
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“There is no law in our faith or even in the constitution that forbids you from defending yourself if you have the capability.
“We can’t watch and allow this to continue. We have seen communities that form civilian joint task force to defend themselves.
“We have called on authorities in this country to defend citizens whether they are Muslims or Christians. Government must, at all levels, stand impartial so that they are not seen as defending one religion against another.
“Our faith does not necessarily allow us to do things that way. This nation will be in chaos if we all don’t exercise restraint. If we do that, we also expose our people to insecurity.
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“Let no one count Christians as weak; nobody has monopoly of violence. We have only restrained our people. Those who use religion to fan the embers of disunity should know that it is an ill-wind that will blow no one good. The security agencies need to do their job.’’
While sympathising with the families of victims of Southern Kaduna killings, Omobude said, “The concern to us is the development in Southern Kaduna. This problem has been on and it is now taking different dimensions.
“The PFN is worried that this killing has continued and we do know that it is the primary responsibility of government to protect the lives of people,” he said.
