Rev Lawan Andimi, the Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria’s chapter in the Michika Local Government Area of Adamawa State, has reportedly been murdered by members of the extremist group Boko Haram, who had taken the pastor captive during an earlier raid in Michika. In a video released subsequent to his capture Rev Andimi appealed for efforts to secure his release but also accepted that his fate was ultimately “in the hand of God.”  The murder has prompted condemnation by international human rights organisations, religious leaders and senior Nigerian political figures.

In response to news of his death, the multireligious Board of Directors of the International Dialogue Centre (KAICIID) said:

“Again we hear of the senseless and reprehensible murder of an innocent, solely on the basis of his faith. We offer our heartfelt condolences to Rev Andimi’s family, his friends, the Christian Association of  Nigeria, and to all those touched and transformed by his ministry and life in service to his flock.

“There is no justification for murder in the name of religion.  There is no place for violence or censure or exclusion in any of the major religions, united as they are by common bonds of acceptance and mutual respect.  We appeal for calm in the wake of this terrible event, and trust that religious leaders and their followers, local and national authorities and all those interested in healing divisions in Nigerian society, will join together to work harder for dialogue and mutual understanding.”