NIGERIA: CAN Calls For State Of Emergency On Insecurity

By Onoja Baba

The South-West chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has called on the Federal Government to declare a state of emergency on insecurity following the increasing cases of kidnappings, banditry, and violent crimes across the country.

The call was contained in a statement issued by the South-West CAN Chairman, Bishop Barnabas Akin-Akinsanya, on Sunday, expressing concern over what the association described as the alarming escalation of insecurity in Oyo, Ekiti, Ondo, Lagos, and other parts of Nigeria.

According to the Christian body, recent incidents involving the abduction and attacks on innocent citizens have heightened fear, anxiety, and uncertainty among Nigerians, warning that insecurity has become a recurring national tragedy threatening the nation’s peace, economic stability, and social cohesion.

CAN condemned the criminal acts and sympathised with victims, their families, and affected communities, while praying for the safe release of those still in captivity and comfort for families that have suffered losses.

The association urged the Federal Government to urgently review and strengthen the nation’s security architecture by adequately equipping security agencies with modern surveillance technologies, drones, intelligence systems, communication gadgets, and rapid-response capabilities needed for effective security operations.

“The Federal Government should declare a state of emergency on security,” the statement stressed.

CAN also called on the Federal Government to seek technical and intelligence support from friendly nations and international security partners where necessary, noting that national security should rise above politics, bureaucracy, and other considerations.

The group further urged governors in the South-West region to intensify regional security collaboration and strengthen existing security measures to prevent criminal elements from exploiting forests, highways, farms, and border communities.

According to the association, the South-West can no longer afford complacency as growing security threats appear to be encroaching on the region.

CAN also encouraged Christians across the country to intensify prayers for peace, security, and national healing while remaining vigilant and reporting suspicious activities to security agencies.

The association advised worshippers to exercise caution during vigils and other late-night gatherings where security cannot be adequately guaranteed and to avoid unnecessary travel t

hrough high-risk areas.