Monday, June 8, 2026 - The Christian Association of Nigeria, South-West region, has decried the spate of insecurity in many parts of the country, calling on governments and other stakeholders to act decisively on the matter.
To this end, the group called on the Federal Government to
declare a state of emergency on insecurity in the country.
This was contained in a statement issued by the CAN Chairman
in the South-West, Bishop Barnabas Akin-Akinsanya. The statement was made
available to our correspondent in Akure, Ondo State, on Sunday.
According to the statement, the group expressed profound
concern and deep anguish over the alarming escalation of kidnappings, banditry,
and violent crimes across Oyo, Ekiti, Ondo, Lagos, and several other parts of
Nigeria.
The statement read in part, “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.
“CAN South-West strongly condemns these criminal acts and
sympathises with the victims, their families, and communities affected by this
growing insecurity. We pray for the safe release of those currently in
captivity and for divine comfort for families who have suffered losses.
“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.”
The Christian group also urged 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.”
Calling on South-West governors to address the menace, the
statement declared that the region “can no longer afford complacency.”
“Our forests, highways, farms, and border communities are
increasingly vulnerable to criminal infiltration. 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 charged Christians in the country to intensify
their prayers for peace, security, and national healing, and to remain
steadfast in 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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