Lawan Andimi: ACF, PFN, EU, others condemn Boko Haram's killing of pastor

- The ACF has reacted to the murder of a church leader, Reverend Lawan Andimi in Adamawa state by the terrorist group, Boko Haram

- Boko Haram killed the cleric on Monday, January 20, after reported negotiations to release him broke down

- His murder has sparked widespread outrage and condemnation by Nigerians

The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) on Thursday, January 23 expressed shock over the murder of Rev. Lawan Andimi, chairman of Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Michika local government area of Adamawa state by the Boko Haram terrorists.

“This cruel act by the abductors was barbaric, despicable and should be condemned by all peace-loving people,” the ACF said in a statement sent to journalists by its spokesman, Muhammad Ibrahim.

Andimi's death continues to generate reactions in Nigeria and beyond.

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President Muhammadu Buhari described his murder as cruel, inhuman and deliberately provocative.

The European Union described Andimi's execution as “deliberate attempts to divide societies.”

Journalist Saleh Shehu Ahmed in his reaction counselled that “religious leaders across the faiths must indeed stand up together and face the challenge of the times by offering leadership that focuses on our common humanity and common good rather than the insignificant issues that divide us.”

On its part, the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) urged the international community to help Nigeria to defeat the terrorists, considering the pledged involvement and support of the activities of the evil group by other terrorists from other parts of the world.

“We enjoin all Christians to continue to pray for the bereaved family and hold up Nigeria in prayers so that this orgy of violence and bloodletting can come to an end and the will of God for the country might come to pass,” the PFN said in a statement.

“Words fail me as I share my heartfelt sympathy with the family of Rev Lawal Andimi. The senseless killing of the bishop despite ongoing efforts to secure his freedom further reiterates the callous and irrational nature of the Boko Haram terrorists,” Nigeria's vice president, Yemi Osinbajo, who is also a pastor, said in an emotion-laden statement.

Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, said Boko Haram’s murder of Andimi, “is another attack on Christians, as we saw at Christmas. His last statement was of faith and hope. We must thank God for his witness and pray for his family, and for authorities to be effective.”

Nigeria's former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara wrote: “My thoughts and prayers are with the family of Rev Lawan Andimi, who was abducted early this month and killed by bloodthirsty terrorists. May his soul rest in perfect peace. I pray for the freedom of all those in captivity.”

United Kingdom parliamentarian, Andrew Stephenson, wrote on his Twitter page: “Appalled by reported execution of Reverend Lawan Andimi in North-East Nigeria yesterday. Thoughts are with his family, congregation and all religious communities suffering violence. The UK supports Nigerian efforts to tackle the terrorist threat.”

Former vice president, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, stated that there's a compelling need to Nigeria's security architecture given the spate of violence in the last few weeks.

Meanwhile, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has accused the Buhari administration of living in denial and failing to face reality.

CAN said it is losing hope in the Buhari's government, adding that Christians have become endangered species under the present administration.

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