By Awhawha Awhawha
Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in 19 Northern States and Abuja, and the Christian Media Forum (CMF), kaduna have expressed rude shock over the sudden death of a Christian leader Rev. David Ayuba Azzaman, in Southern kaduna.
Rev. Azzaman, a popular Kaduna based evangelist and serial critics of Ex-Governor El-rufai bad governance reportedly died of a fatal car accident on Sunday along Idion axis of kaduna State.
The christian bodies expressed deep sorrow over the death of the Evangelist, popularly addressed as Azzaman Azzaman, in a statements respectfully issued by leaders of CAN and CMF in kaduna on Sunday.
While CAN described his demise as a great loss to the Christian community in Kaduna State and beyond, CMF stated that the Christian body has lost a strong voice that will be greatly missed, described his death as shocking and saddened.
In a statement signed by the Chairman of Northern CAN, Rev. Dr. Joseph John Hayab, the body stressed that the fiery preacher was a courageous voice for the gospel and an unrelenting advocate for the rights of persecuted Christians.
It added “Kaduna has truly lost a great soldier of Christ. Evangelist Azzaman stood tall in defense of Christianity, fearlessly speaking out against injustice and persecution,”
CAN described Azzaman as a prophetic voice, a bridge-builder, and a spiritual father to many across denominations and communities.
“Until his death, he was the General Overseer of The King Worship Chapel and Ministries, where he led a vibrant evangelical movement focused on truth, justice, and spiritual revival.
“While mourning his sudden exit, the Christian body said it finds comfort in the belief that Azzaman had finished his race and now rests in eternal glory.
“Though his departure leaves a great vacuum in the Christian community, we rejoice in the assurance that he has finished his race and now rests in the eternal glory of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ,” the statement added.
CAN extended its heartfelt condolences to his family, congregation, and all who were touched by his ministry, praying for divine strength and comfort in this time of grief.
“May his soul rest in peace and may his legacy continue to inspire courage and faith among believers,” the statement concluded.
Also according to the statement jointly signed by leaders of CMF, Jacob Dickson and Andrew Ibrahim Mshelia, noted that “Rev Azzman’s voice was one that rang out clear and true, calling people to repentance and faith”.
“The sad news of the death of Kaduna State popular preacher Rev Ayuba Azzman has come to us with rude shock, especially at a time the Christian body and the nation need him the most.
“Rev Ayuba Azzman, who came to limelight known for speaking truth to power, will be greatly missed. His untimely departure leaves a void in the body of Christ that may be difficult to fill. As a man of God, he was unwavering in his commitment to spreading the Gospel and standing up for what is right,’ it said.
The statement added that “his dead is a huge loss to the Christian community, “and we are still trying to come to terms with the enormity of this loss. We pray that God will grant us the strength to bear this loss and that His will be done.
“We extend our heartfelt condolences to the immediate family of Rev Ayuba Azzman. May God grant them the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss and may His peace be upon them in this difficult time. To his friends and loved ones, we offer our deepest sympathies.
Others described him as truly lost a great soldier of Christ, adding that Evangelist Azzaman stood tall in defense of Christianity, fearlessly speaking out against injustice and persecution.
“He was a prophetic voice, a bridge-builder, and a spiritual father to many across denominations and communities”, it stated.