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.