The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the south-west has called on the federal government to declare a state of emergency on insecurity across the country.
In a statement made available to DECENCY GLOBAL NEWS on Sunday, Barnabas Akin-Akinsanya, CAN chairman in the south-west, expressed concern over the rising cases of kidnappings, banditry, and violent crimes in parts of the country.
Akin-Akinsanya said incidents in Oyo, Ekiti, Ondo, Lagos, and other states had heightened fear and uncertainty among Nigerians.
‘INSECURITY HAS BECOME A NATIONAL TRAGEDY’
The association said insecurity was no longer an occasional challenge but a recurring national crisis.
“Recent incidents of abductions and attacks on innocent citizens, young and old, have further heightened fear, anxiety, and uncertainty among Nigerians,” the statement reads.
“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.”
CAN condemned the attacks and expressed sympathy with the victims and their families.
“CAN South-West strongly condemns these criminal acts and sympathises with the victims, their families, and communities affected by this growing insecurity,” the association said.
“We pray for the safe release of those currently in captivity and for divine comfort for families who have suffered losses.”
‘DECLARE STATE OF EMERGENCY ON INSECURITY’
The Christian body urged the federal government to strengthen the country’s security architecture and equip security agencies with modern tools.
“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 association said.
“The Federal Government should declare a state of emergency on security.
“National security should transcend pride, politics, and bureaucracy. Every legitimate avenue capable of restoring peace and security to our nation should be explored.”
CAN said governors in the south-west must intensify efforts to address growing security threats in the region.
“Our forests, highways, farms, and border communities are increasingly vulnerable to criminal infiltration. The region appears to be gradually encircled by growing security threats,” it said.
“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.”l
The association also urged Christians to intensify prayers for peace and national healing.
CAN advised worshippers to be cautious about late-night gatherings where security cannot be guaranteed and to promptly report suspicious activities to the relevant authorities.
“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,” the association added.
