The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has praised President Goodluck Jonathan for setting up the Committee on Boko Haram Terror Victims Support Fund headed by retired general TY Danjuma.

CAN in a statement issued this morning in Abuja by the National President, Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor, said it received “with gladness and great relief” news of the establishment of the fund to cater for the needs of victims of insurgency in parts of the country.

“On behalf of the association and the entire Christian community in Nigeria, I want to specially thank Mr. President for taking such a bold and courageous step to care of the victims of insurgency in the northern part of the country,” Oritsejafor said.

“The action is a further demonstration that President Jonathan is indeed the father of the nation and a father to all Nigerians irrespective of the background of the victims of the crisis and the

decision has demonstrated that the present administration is responsive to the plight of the people,” he added.

He noted that “for long, it has been the conviction of CAN that victims of the senseless killings and wanton destruction of property should be given some ‘life line’ in whatever name it could be called and we are glad that the President has heard our call and responded appropriately.”

The CAN President said he believes that the fund will address a wide range of issues facing persons displaced by the crisis as well as provide the basis for a more comprehensive programme of rehabilitation and reintegration of the victims at the end of the crisis (insurgency).

“It my hope that funds realised from the various donations and contributions will be judiciously used for the good of those affected in the crisis,” he stated.

CAN also praised the quality of persons nominated to serve on the special fund, wishing the members well in their task of raising and disbursing funds to victims of the Boko Haram insurgency in parts of the North.

“I however wish to appeal to persons who will be directly and indirectly involved in programme, to have the fear of God in all that they will be doing and most importantly to be fair and just in

exercising their mandate,” Oritsejafor said, adding:

“I honestly believe that this initiative will give hope to our people and instill in them a sense of belonging while reducing the psychological and physical impact of the burden created as a result of the losses incurred in the crisis.

“I want to assure the fund of CAN’s support in prayers and otherwise, for the success of its assignment.

“I also want to use this occasion to remind Nigerians of the need to remain steadfast in prayers for God’s intervention to end insurgency in Nigeria.”

•Photo shows CAN President, Oritsejafor.