News
Rev Hayab Is Our Leader, Northern CAN Declares
… Insists he was duly elected in Abuja
… We now have someone we can turn to – Bishop Naga
The Executive members of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the 19 Northern states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) of Abuja have declared that Rev John Joseph Hayab Is their authentic leader.
The Northern CAN expressed their confidence in the newly elected Chairman, Rev. John Joseph Hayab, saying that they now have someone they can turn to as a leader.
During a press conference held in Maiduguri on Tuesday, the General Secretary of the association and Chairman of the North-East CAN, Bishop Mohammed Naga, announced that the election, which took place on 25th February 2025 in Abuja, was conducted in a peaceful and transparent manner, leading to the appointment of Rev. Hayab and other Executive Committee members.
Bishop Naga, who is also the General Overseer of the Biblical Christian Church (BCC), encouraged Christian faithful, particularly those from the Northern region, to continue praying for peace, unity, and progress in an area beset by terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, and other criminal activities.
He further urged all Christians to offer their prayers and support to the Muslim community during the Holy Month of Ramadan, in accordance with the teachings of the late Sir Ahmadu Bello, Sardauna of Sokoto, who was the pioneer Patron of CAN in Northern Nigeria.
Bishop Naga stated, “I wish to emphasise our support for our substantive Chairman, Rev. Joseph Hayab. He was duly elected alongside other executive members, and all churches and Christian leaders in Northern Nigeria remain loyal to him.”
He continued, “Any group that believes it should hold power indefinitely is mistaken. The stakeholders from Northern Nigeria, including the former General Secretary of national CAN and representatives from various states, honour the legitimacy of this election. We are committed to our loyalty.”
Naga added, “I want to assure both our local and international communities, particularly those in Northern Nigeria, that we have a leader to whom we can turn for guidance on Christian matters. We are advocates for peace, and we acknowledge the historical context of Northern Nigeria. CAN itself was founded here, inspired by our esteemed leader, Sir Ahmadu Bello, Sardauna of Sokoto, the first patron of CAN. This underscores our unity as brothers and sisters, committed to peaceful coexistence.”
He concluded, “We call upon all Nigerians to embrace one another, particularly our Muslim brothers and sisters who are observing the fast, to pray for peace in Nigeria and for the progress of our beloved country, especially in the North.”
By Israel Bulus, Kaduna
A Catholic priest of the Archdiocese of Kafanchan, Reverend Father Sylvester Okechukwu, has been killed by suspected bandits in Kaura Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
The victim until his murder was the Priest in-charge of St Mary Catholic Church Tachira in Kaura Local Government Area.
the Chancellor of Kafanchan Catholic Archdiocese, Reverend Father Jacob Shanet in a statement obtained by ELANZA NEWS, said Reverend Father Okechukwu was kidnapped at his residence on 4th March, 2025 at around 9:15 Pm, but was confirmed killed on Ash Wednesday morning of March 5, 2025.
He added that the reason why he was killed is yet to be determined.
” This untimely and brutal loss has left us heartbroken and devastated. Fr Sylvester was a dedicated servant of God, who worked selflessly in the vineyard of the Lord, spreading the message of peace, love and hope.
” He was always available and accessible to his parishioners. His untimely death has left an indelible void within our diocesan family, and we share in the pain of his passing with his family, friends and all those who knew and loved him.
” Let us come together as one family in prayer for the repose of his soul. We invite all priests, religious and the faithful, to offer Holy Masses, Rosaries and Prayers for the eternal repose
of Fr. Sylvester, who gave his life in service to God and humanity.
” We wish to call on our youth and members of the Takad community to remain calm and steadfast in prayer, warning that no one should take the law into their hands. The details of the funeral arrangements will be communicated in due course.” The statement added.
The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Mansir Hassan could not be reach for confirmation as of the time of filing this report.
Suspected Boko Haram terrorists attacked a police station in Malari, Borno State, in the early hours of Wednesday, but were repelled by security forces.
Local security sources told The ELANZA that the insurgents launched the attack at about 1:00 am but were overpowered by a combined team of police officers and soldiers.
Confirming the incident, the spokesperson for the Borno State Police Command, ASP Nahum Daso, said the assailants attempted to infiltrate the police station but were forced to retreat after a fierce gun battle.
“Yes, there was an attack on Malari Police Station, but no casualty was recorded. The officers on duty, in collaboration with the military, repelled the insurgents and prevented them from entering the town,” Daso said.
He noted that the terrorists targeted a police Armoured Personnel Carrier during the attack, damaging its tyres but failing to destroy the vehicle.
“So far, no bodies have been recovered, but we are certain there were casualties on the side of the insurgents,” he added.
Daso assured residents of the police force’s readiness to prevent future attacks, stating that Malari had previously been without civil authority but had seen improved security since the deployment of a police crack team.
Meanwhile, some residents expressed concern that the insurgents might regroup and target civilians.
“We are scared they may return. We appreciate the efforts of our security forces and urge them to strengthen security measures,” a local source told The PUNCH on condition of anonymity.
The attack comes weeks after Boko Haram militants raided Nganzai Police Division in Borno killing two police officers.
The Commissioner of Police, Yusufu Lawal, commended the officers for their resilience and extended condolences to the families of the fallen officers.
By Amina Anebi, Kaduna
Over two hundred worshippers gathered at Our Lady’s Parish Independence in Kaduna to celebrate Shrove Tuesday, marking the end of the pre-Lenten season with traditional observances, including confessions, the burning of Holy Week palms, and acts of charity.
Shrove Tuesday, also known as Pancake Day, precedes Ash Wednesday and signals the beginning of Lent, a 40-day period of fasting and spiritual reflection observed by many Christian denominations. The term “Shrove” comes from the old English word “shrive,” meaning absolution following confession.
The celebration in Kaduna was led by the Kaduna North Dean and Parish Priest, Very Reverend Father Anthony Okelue, who urged the faithful to embrace the spirit of repentance and charity.
“I urge you all to come closer to God as we embark on 40 days of prayer and fasting. By reflecting on our wrongdoings, we should celebrate with those who have less. That is the essence of this day—giving to the less privileged,” Father Okelue said.
Shrove Tuesday is widely observed by Anglicans, Lutherans, Methodists, Western-Rite Orthodox Christians, and Roman Catholics. The day is traditionally marked by self-examination, repentance, and preparation for the solemn season of Lent.
One of the most recognisable customs associated with Shrove Tuesday is the eating of pancakes, a practice rooted in the need to use up rich ingredients such as eggs, milk, and sugar before the fasting period begins. Church bells are also rung to remind people to repent before Lent.
In many Christian traditions, churches burn the palms distributed on the previous year’s Palm Sunday to prepare the ashes used for Ash Wednesday services. Elsewhere, in countries where Shrove Tuesday is known as Mardi Gras, the day is celebrated with carnivals and feasts before the fasting period begins.
The Roman Catholic Church also marks Shrove Tuesday with the Feast of the Holy Face of Jesus, a devotion reflecting on the suffering of Christ.
Father Okelue encouraged worshippers to see Lent as an opportunity for spiritual renewal. “This is a time for reflection, prayer, and giving. Let us approach it with sincerity and a heart for others,” he said.
As the faithful in Kaduna observed this centuries-old tradition, the emphasis remained on confession, repentance, and charity—values that define the essence of Shrove Tuesday.