The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) on Thursday expressed satisfaction with the safe release of the remaining 23 passengers on the Abuja-Kaduna train passengers held in captivity by Boko Haram terrorists.

The organisation specially commended 21-year-old Lois Azurfa, one of the captives who was reportedly firm in her Christain faith, despite threats by the terrorists to marry her off to one of them and forcefully convert her to Islam.

The President of CAN, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, who stated these in a statement in Abuja, said the story of Azurfa 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.”

He commended the President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (rerd.), for the freedom, saying it “signposts the efforts of the Federal Government at combating our common enemy as a nation – insecurity.”

Okoh said, “The successful release of the remaining hostages in line with the President’s earlier directive not only indicates 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.

“CAN also lauds the military and all other security and intelligence agencies for the successful conduct of the operation which led to the release of the hostages. They have shown outstanding capabilities in recent times and the whole world will not fail to take note of their good efforts.

“We believe that with the necessary support and adequate motivation, our security forces are capable of deploying world-class kinetic and non-kinetic processes towards accomplishing difficult military operations that will ensure the safety of lives and properties in the land.

“Therefore, the relief that came to the nation arising from the closure of the six-month captivity of the innocent train passengers must be sustained at all times.

“We must not allow the return of the days when terrorists had a free hand to do as they wished to unsuspecting travelers. Every Nigerian must be allowed to have peace, whether at home or on transit.

“We appreciate 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.

“CAN especially commend 21-year-old Lois Azurfa, one of the captives who were 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.

“Her story is 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.

“We also congratulate all the families of the train victims for having them back alive, and encourage them to understand that the unpleasant circumstances they have gone through since the night of the attack will produce the godly fruits of endurance, good character and hope, for God Almighty still speaks to his people in every situation

“We will continue to pray God Almighty to grant us lasting peace and security in the country.”