CAN opposes blanket amnesty for bandits

Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the 19 northern states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have opposed the agitation that amnesty should be given to bandits and other criminals, if they do not show remorse for their terrorist acts in the country.

The Chairman, northern CAN, Rev. Yakubu Pam, during a visit, at the weekend, to the family of former National Secretary-General of CAN, Samuel Salifu, who recently lost his wife in Kaduna, criticised the suggestion that blanket amnesty should be granted to bandits.

Pam said: “The payment of ransom will not solve the problem of insecurity, but we must work more with the intelligence service.

“Amnesty should not be given on a platter. There must be remorse on the part of those receiving it.” He called on community leaders to also be involved in the fight against insecurity, as he urged government at all levels to address unemployment in the country.

“Government should involve citizens in solving the problems. Citizens must be involved from the national to the local levels and they should address the issue of unemployment. Our main concern now is northern Nigeria and all the problems in it,” he added.

While condoling with the Salifu family, the CAN boss said the deceased lived an exemplary life. He said she was tenacious and had the wisdom of God in her as she exuded goodness.

Responding on behalf of the family, the widower thanked the CAN delegation as he called on all to stand by the truth in all they do.

He added that God had been kind to him and his family, as the death of his wife filled him with nostalgia. Before embarking on the visit, the officials of Northern CAN had met to discuss important national issues.