From Fred Ezeh, Abuja
Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has described the release of the remaining 23 victims of Kaduna-bound train that were kidnapped on March 28, 2023, as a signpost of the efforts of the Federal Government at combating common enemy as a nation.
CAN specially commended the 21-year-old Azurfa Lois, one of the captives who was reportedly unflinching in her faith in Christ Jesus, despite threats by the terrorists to marry her off to one of them and forcefully convert her to another faith.
It explained that her story was a testimony that God Almighty, who watches over His people will neither sleep nor slumber, but will sustain and rescue them even from the throes of death.
CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, in a statement, yesterday, commended President Muhammadu Buhari and the security agencies for their efforts that culminated in the successful release of the remaining 23 hostages on Wednesday, as he had promised.
He said: “The President’s earlier directive on the matter did not only indicate that the authorities mean serious business, but are ready to muster the required political will to end the reign of terror in parts of the country.”
He lauded the military and all other security and intelligence agencies as well as individual contributions for the successful conduct of the operations that culminated in the release of the hostages, adding that they have shown outstanding capabilities in recent times and the whole world would not fail to take note of their good efforts.
“We believe that with the necessary support and adequate motivations, our security forces are capable of deploying world class kinetic and non-kinetic processes towards accomplishing difficult military operations that will ensure safety of lives and properties in the land.”
CAN President appreciated the doggedness, resilience and hope which the 23 train victims maintained all through the more than 190 days they spent in the hands of their captors even under torturous conditions.