The Christian Association of Nigeria CAN, the umbrella body of Christians in Nigeria says citizens of southern Kaduna might decide to resort to self defence if the killings in the region are not checked.

Chairman of CAN Samson Ayokunle, said this in a statement by his Special Assistant (Media and Communications, Adebayo Oladeji that without a doubt, the victims of the incessant assaults are indigenes of Kaduna State who are mostly Christians. 

“People should not be allowed to resort to self- help, but if this situation is not addressed, self- help might be the alternative because nobody would keep on watching for these nuisances to continue to be on the prowl and snuff life out of him or her,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Commander of Operation Safe Haven, Major General. Chukwuemeka Okonkwo, said that contrary to claims in some quarters, criminal elements on both sides were responsible for the killings in Southern Kaduna and not ethnic cleansing.

Okonkwo, who briefed journalists shortly after the security meeting, said, “What we have were attacks on some communities and reprisals.”

Over 150 people have been killed in southern Kaduna in the last few months.