CAN Urges FG To Prioritise Schools Protection, Nigerian Children

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ABUJA – The Christian Association of Ni­geria (CAN) has expressed deep concern over the worsening insecurity, violence and neglect confronting Nigerian children, calling on government at all levels to urgently prioritise the protec­tion of schools and young people across the country.

In a statement issued to mark Children’s Day 2026, CAN Pres­ident, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, said this year’s celebration came at a painful moment following recent attacks on schools in Oyo State where pupils and teachers were abducted by gunmen.

He said the incident had left many parents traumatised and raised serious concerns about the safety of children and the future of education in the country.

CAN described the continued captivity of some of the children as heartbreaking, stressing that no child should experience fear and violence in places meant for learning and protection.

The association also expressed concern over the plight of teach­ers caught in the attacks, noting that teachers serve not only as educators but also as protectors, mentors and guardians to chil­dren under their care.

“The thought of teachers fac­ing fear and uncertainty togeth­er with the children they were trying to protect should weigh heavily on the conscience of the nation,” the statement said.

The Christian body warned that any society where parents are afraid to send their children to school cannot claim to be secur­ing its future.

Beyond insecurity, CAN lamented that millions of Nige­rian children still suffer from poverty, hunger, child labour, traf­ficking, abuse and poor access to quality education and healthcare.

It urged security agencies and governments to treat the protec­tion of schools as an urgent na­tional responsibility, warning that repeated attacks on educa­tional institutions could weaken public confidence and damage the future of an entire generation.

CAN also called on parents, faith-based organisations, tradi­tional rulers, schools, the media and community leaders to work together to create safer environ­ments for children and strength­en moral values in society.

The association encouraged children living under difficult conditions not to lose hope, assur­ing them that their lives, dreams and future remain important.

“As the nation marks Chil­dren’s Day 2026, may this occa­sion awaken a deeper sense of responsibility among leaders and citizens alike to build a Ni­geria where every child can live, learn and grow in peace, safety and dignity,” the statement added.

CAN reaffirmed its commit­ment to advocating policies and leadership that would protect the welfare and future of Nigerian children.

Meanwhile, the Christian As­sociation of Nigeria has urged political, religious and business leaders in the country to demon­strate sacrifice, compassion and accountability as Nigerians battle worsening hardship, insecurity and economic uncertainty.

In its Eid-el-Kabir message released on Tuesday, the Presi­dent of CAN, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, said the current economic realities facing millions of Nige­rians have gone beyond statistics, warning that citizens are now grappling daily with hunger, fear and hopelessness.

The Christian body congratu­lated Muslim faithful across Nige­ria and the world on the celebra­tion of Eid-el-Kabir, describing the festival as a powerful symbol of faith, sacrifice and obedience to God.

However, CAN noted that the deeper message of the season should challenge leaders to em­brace honesty, restraint, service and genuine concern for the well-being of citizens.

“Today, many Nigerians no longer measure hardship in statistics but in skipped meals, unpaid school fees, shuttered businesses and sleepless nights,” the statement said.

The association lamented that families are struggling with ris­ing living costs, while insecurity continues to force farmers away from their lands and destroy busi­nesses across the country.

CAN stressed that sacrifice should not remain the burden of ordinary Nigerians alone, in­sisting that leadership must also reflect visible commitment to easing the suffering of the people.

According to the association, Nigerians are tired of speeches and political promises, adding that citizens now desire leader­ship that listens, acts and shares in the sacrifices they make daily.

The Christian body also warned Nigerians against allow­ing hardship and frustration to fuel religious, ethnic and regional divisions.

“Hunger does not ask for tribe or religion. Poverty does not dis­criminate. Insecurity threatens everyone,” CAN stated.

The association further ap­pealed to religious leaders across all faiths to continue preaching peace, moderation and reconcilia­tion amid growing anger and frus­tration in many communities.

CAN also called on wealthy Ni­gerians, corporate organisations and well-meaning citizens to ex­tend support to widows, orphans, displaced persons and struggling families during the festive season.

The body expressed optimism that Nigeria can overcome its current challenges if leaders and citizens embrace the values of sacrifice, justice, compassion and shared humanity.

It also prayed for peace, heal­ing and renewed hope across the country, while wishing Muslim faithful a peaceful and joyful Eid-el-Kabir celebration.