The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), South-West region, has decried the escalating insecurity affecting many parts of the country, calling on governments and other stakeholders to act decisively on the matter.
To this end, the group has urged the Federal Government to declare a state of emergency on insecurity in Nigeria. This call was articulated in a statement issued by the CAN Chairman in the South-West, Bishop Barnabas Akin-Akinsanya, which was made available to our correspondent in Akure, Ondo State, on Sunday.
The statement expressed profound concern and deep anguish over the alarming rise of kidnappings, banditry, and violent crimes across Oyo, Ekiti, Ondo, Lagos, and several other regions in Nigeria.
“Recent incidents of abductions and attacks on innocent citizens, young and old, have further heightened fear, anxiety, and uncertainty among Nigerians. What was once considered an occasional security breach has now become a recurring national tragedy that threatens the peace, economic stability, and social cohesion of our nation,” the statement read in part.
CAN South-West strongly condemned these criminal acts and extended sympathies to the victims, their families, and communities affected by the growing insecurity. “We pray for the safe release of those currently in captivity and for divine comfort for families who have suffered losses,” the statement added.
The statement further urged, “The Federal Government should immediately review and strengthen the nation’s security architecture and ensure that all security agencies are adequately equipped with modern surveillance technology, drones, intelligence systems, communication gadgets, and rapid-response capabilities necessary for effective contemporary security operations. The Federal Government should declare a state of emergency on security.”
Additionally, the Christian group called upon the Federal Government to seek strategic technical and intelligence support from friendly nations and international security partners where necessary, noting that “national security should transcend pride, politics, and bureaucracy. Every legitimate avenue capable of restoring peace and security to our nation should be explored.”
Addressing the South-West governors, the statement declared that the region “can no longer afford complacency.” It highlighted the increasing vulnerability of “our forests, highways, farms, and border communities to criminal infiltration,” stating that the region appears to be gradually encircled by growing security threats.
“We therefore call on the governors of the South-West states to strengthen regional security collaboration, support community-based intelligence gathering, improve surveillance, and enhance the operational effectiveness of existing security outfits,” the group urged.
Finally, CAN charged Christians across the country to intensify their prayers for peace, security, and national healing, while remaining steadfast in their faith and trust in God’s protection. “Christians must exercise caution regarding vigils and other late-night gatherings where security cannot be adequately guaranteed, avoid unnecessary journeys, especially through high-risk areas, and be our brothers’ and sisters’ keepers by remaining vigilant and promptly reporting suspicious activities to relevant authorities,” CAN advised.
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