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, warning that the worsening wave of kidnappings, banditry and violent crimes across the country is pushing many communities into fear and uncertainty.
The Christian body said Nigeria is facing a serious security challenge that requires urgent and decisive action from all levels of government, security agencies and stakeholders.
The call was contained in a statement issued on Sunday in Akure, Ondo State, by the South-West Chairman of CAN, Bishop Barnabas Akin-Akinsanya.
According to the group, the rising cases of abductions, attacks on travellers, killings and other violent crimes in different parts of the country have become a major threat to national peace, economic activities and social stability.
CAN expressed concern over the increasing insecurity in South-West states, including Oyo, Ekiti, Ondo and Lagos, as well as many other parts of Nigeria.
The association said recent incidents involving the abduction of innocent citizens have heightened fear among Nigerians, with many people now worried about their safety while travelling, farming, working or carrying out daily activities.
The statement noted that insecurity, which was once viewed as an occasional challenge, has become a recurring national problem affecting communities across the country.
“Recent incidents of abductions and attacks on innocent citizens, young and old, have further heightened fear, anxiety and uncertainty among Nigerians,” the statement said.
“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 Christian body strongly condemned the activities of kidnappers, bandits and other criminal groups responsible for attacks on innocent citizens.
It also expressed sympathy for victims of insecurity and their families, many of whom have suffered losses, trauma and displacement as a result of violent attacks.
“CAN South-West strongly condemns these criminal acts and sympathizes with the victims, their families and communities affected by this growing insecurity,” the statement added.
“We pray for the safe release of those currently in captivity and for divine comfort for families who have suffered losses.”
As part of its recommendations, CAN urged the Federal Government to immediately strengthen the country’s security system and provide security agencies with the tools needed to tackle modern security threats.
The association stressed that security personnel must be equipped with advanced surveillance technology, intelligence-gathering tools, drones, communication equipment and rapid-response systems capable of responding effectively to criminal activities.
According to the group, the current security situation demands extraordinary measures.
“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 statement said.
“The Federal Government should declare a state of emergency on security.”
The call comes at a time when concerns over insecurity remain high across several parts of Nigeria.
In recent years, the country has battled multiple security challenges, including terrorism in the North-East, banditry and mass kidnappings in the North-West, farmer-herder clashes in parts of the Middle Belt, and growing incidents of kidnapping for ransom in the South-West and South-East.
Several highways across the country have also become notorious for attacks on travellers, while many rural communities have reported repeated invasions by armed criminals.
The security situation has affected farming activities in some areas, disrupted businesses and forced thousands of people to flee their homes.
Beyond strengthening local security measures, CAN also advised the Federal Government to seek technical and intelligence support from friendly countries and international partners where necessary.
The association argued that national security should not be treated as a political issue and that every available option should be explored to restore peace.
According to the group, collaboration with international partners could help improve intelligence gathering, surveillance and other aspects of security operations.
“National security should transcend pride, politics and bureaucracy,” the statement said.
“Every legitimate avenue capable of restoring peace and security to our nation should be explored.”
The Christian body also directed its attention to governors in the South-West, urging them to take stronger steps to address emerging security threats in the region.
CAN warned that forests, farms, highways and border communities in the South-West were becoming increasingly vulnerable to criminal activities and infiltration by armed groups.
The association said the region could no longer afford to be complacent in the face of growing security concerns.
According to the statement, governors in the region should deepen cooperation among states and strengthen existing security structures.
The group called for improved intelligence sharing, better surveillance systems and increased support for local and community-based security initiatives.
“Our forests, highways, farms and border communities are increasingly vulnerable to criminal infiltration,” the statement said.
“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.”
In addition to its appeal to government authorities, CAN called on Christians across the country to intensify prayers for peace, security and national healing.
The association urged church leaders and members to remain vigilant and take practical safety measures while carrying out religious and social activities.
It advised Christians to exercise caution during vigils and late-night gatherings where adequate security arrangements may not be available.
The group also encouraged members to avoid unnecessary travel through areas known for security risks and to promptly report suspicious movements or activities to security agencies.
“Christians must exercise caution regarding vigils and other late-night gatherings where security cannot be adequately guaranteed,” CAN said.
The association further urged Nigerians to support one another and work closely with security agencies in efforts to combat crime and insecurity.
The latest statement from CAN reflects growing concern among religious leaders, civil society groups and citizens over the state of security in the country.
As insecurity continues to dominate public discussions, many Nigerians are calling for stronger action from government authorities to protect lives and property and restore confidence in the nation’s security system.