Bishop Tasks CAN Leadership on Honesty, Justice and Care for the Vulnerable Amid Rising Insecurity in Taraba.
By Christiana Babayo
The Catholic Diocese of Jalingo on Friday held a grand Thanksgiving Mass in honour of the Taraba State Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Rev. Fr. Williams Awoshiri, and the Youth Wing Chairman of CAN (YOWICAN), Mr. Julius Job Saleh.
The ceremony, which also marked Fr. Awoshiri’s 50th birthday and the launch of his new book, drew Christian leaders, government officials, and traditional rulers from across the state.
But beyond the celebration, the event became a strong platform for a solemn charge to the Christian leadership in Taraba, as the Catholic Bishop of Wukari Diocese, Most Rev. Mark Nzukwein, called on CAN to lead with honesty, courage, and compassion, especially in the face of mounting insecurity.
Delivering the homily, the Catholic Bishop of Wukari Diocese, Most Rev. Mark Nzukwein, said the gathering was significant, stressing that the Church must not lose sight of its calling at a time like this.
He emphasized that leadership is anchored on trust, charging the CAN leadership to remain on the path of justice and truth.
“When God favours us, He reinforces our strength with a grace that never fails. Every leadership position is anchored on trust. We must give account, if not here on earth, then when our journey ends.” He said.
“You are the face of Christianity in Taraba,” he told the CAN leadership. “Let your decisions reflect justice, love, and the collective interest of the body of Christ. Reach out to the vulnerable, the oppressed, victims of violence and disasters, and do not hesitate to speak the truth.”
Describing Fr. Awoshiri as a disciplined and trustworthy leader, Bishop Nzukwein expressed confidence that he has the humility, depth, and courage required to steer the Christian community in these challenging times.
He also commended YOWICAN Chairman Julius Job, calling him “a model for Taraba youths, driven by passion and self-development,” and urged the church to invest more in young people who represent the future of Christianity in the state.
The Bishop noted the wave of insecurity bedeviling communities in Ussa, Takum and other parts of the state with many killed and thousands displaced in the last three months alone.
“It is heart renting to state that the violent activities of the Fulani ethnic militia in the past three months has led to death of over 70 innocent people, the destruction of farmlands and homes, as well as the displacement of people in over 200
villages.
“To say the least, it is important to note that, the humanitarian calamity consequent upon the unending violence in Southern Taraba for the past three decades leading to the destruction of over 335 rural communities and Churches as well as the displacement of over 300,000 people who lack access to relief materials and medical attention, not to talk about the plight of the widows, orphans and out-of school children, leaves so much to be desired.
“Hence, the need to break the media silence and draw attention to this ugly phenomenon that require urgent intervention not only from the government circles but also from willing organizations as well as men and women of goodwill who have the good of humanity at heart” The Bishop said.
While urging government at all levels to act decisively to end the menace, he also raised concerns over the poor state of the Namnai Bridge, warning that its collapse has continued to endanger countless lives as well as disrupt movement to other parts of the state and the country at large.
Speaking shortly after the Homily, Governor Agbu Kefas, represented by the Chief of Staff, Dr. Jeji Williams, assured the Church that the administration remains committed to strengthening peace and unity, particularly in Taraba state.
The Catholic Bishop of Jalingo Diocese, Most Rev. Charles M. Hammawa on his part, clarified that the event was purely a Thanksgiving Mass, not a victory celebration over anyone.
He warned against politicising the body of Christ, insisting that CAN must maintain its independence while pursuing constructive engagement with government.
Also speaking, Archbishop of Abuja Archdiocese, Most Rev Ignatius Kaigama urged Christians to support CAN’s mandate and encouraged government to accept constructive criticism from the church, noting that such interventions aim at promoting the common good.
After the Mass, YOWICAN Chairman Julius Job expressed gratitude for the honour and pledged to uphold the responsibilities placed on him.
During the book launch, the chairman of the occasion, Rev. Jolly T. Nyame, said Fr. Awoshiri was taking up leadership at a difficult time and needed collective support.
He congratulated Fr Awoshiri on the launch of the book and the celebration of his golden jubilee while enjoining the christian community to throw their weight behind the CAN to enable them deliver their mandate to the body of Christ.
“He cannot succeed alone. If he fails, we all have failed,” Nyame said.
After the book launch, the event closed with joyful music, prayers, and renewed calls for unity, justice, and compassion in the Christian community as Taraba confronts its security challenges.