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Bolu-Olu Esho
Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), South-West Region, has called on the Federal Government to declare a state of emergency on security in the country.
The group made the call on Sunday in a statement signed by Bishop (Dr.) Barnabas Tunde Akin-Akinsanya, CAN Chairman, South West, Nigeria, and made available to journalists in Akure on Sunday.
Following the spate of kidnapping in the South-West recently, the ministers of God 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.”
In the statement, CAN condemned the incidents and sympathised with families of victims.
The statement reads in parts: “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 time has come for governments at all levels to move beyond rhetoric and adopt extraordinary measures to confront this national emergency.
“Every available security resource, technology, and intelligence-gathering mechanism should be fully deployed to combat the criminal elements terrorising our communities.
“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.
“Federal government should declare state of emergency on Security.”
The Christian leaders urged the Federal Government to seek support from developed nations to combat the wave of banditry in the country.
“Given the sophisticated nature of some of these criminal networks, we urge the Federal Government to seek strategic technical and intelligence support from friendly nations and international security partners where necessary. National security should transcend pride, politics, and bureaucracy.
“Every legitimate avenue capable of restoring peace and security to our nation should be explored.
“The Federal Government should spead up the process of making state police a reality in this nation,” the statement reads.
Also, the group called on South-West governors to be proactive in tackling all forms of crime in the region
The clerics said: “The South-West geopolitical zone 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.”
Besides, the group called on christians and churches not to surrender to fear, urging them to”intensify our prayers for peace, security, and national healing.
“Remain steadfast in faith and trust in God’s protection; exercise caution regarding vigils and other late-night gatherings where security cannot be adequately guaranteed; avoid unnecessary journeys, especially through high-risk areas.
“Be our brothers’ and sisters’ keepers by remaining vigilant and promptly reporting suspicious activities to relevant authorities.”
