The leadership of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Taraba State chapter, has decried the alarming rate of killings in Takum and Ussa Local Government councils of the State.
Taraba has been under heavy attack by militias, with several number of persons killed in the last two weeks.
Apart from the killings, valuables worth millions of Naira have been destroyed by the rampaging militias.
Disturbed by the development, the association, in a statement on Sunday, obtained by Bellnews Online, said, “if the government cannot guarantee the security of the people, then the people should be allowed to protect themselves.”
Stressing that the attack “on innocent communities stands condemnable and unacceptable” CAN, said it “cannot fold its arm and watch innocent people being killed.”
The statement, which was signed by the CAN chairman, Rev Dr Isaiah Magaji Jirapye, said, “the attacks, which have been taken place unabating, have resulted in the death of many innocent people, while several commuters also fall victims.”
The leadership of CAN sought answers to “why the security check points mounted along that axis (Mararraba-Takum road) were removed prior to the attacks. Where are the security men, why were they withdrawn, who withdrew them, and for what reason?”
The association added that “It is high time the Federal Government of Nigeria led by President Mohammedu Buhari began to match words with action in the areas of security, so as to save the nation from imminent collapse.”
It said the security situation had ubjected the people to untold hardships and was hampering economic activities.
They also expressed displeasure that despite several calls, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), had not deemed it fit to support the victims via relief materials.