The South-West Zone of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has expressed deep concern over the worsening insecurity across the country, calling on the Federal Government to take urgent and decisive measures to address the growing wave of kidnappings, banditry, and violent crimes.

In a statement made available to journalists on Sunday and signed by the South-West CAN Chairman, Bishop Dr. Barnabas Tunde Akin-Akinsanya, the association lamented the increasing incidents of abductions and attacks in states including Oyo, Ekiti, Ondo and Lagos, describing the situation as a national tragedy threatening peace, economic stability and social cohesion.

The Christian body said recent attacks on innocent citizens had heightened fear, anxiety and uncertainty among Nigerians, noting that what was once regarded as occasional security breaches had become a recurring challenge across the country.

CAN sympathised with victims, their families and affected communities, while praying for the safe release of those still in captivity.
“The time has come for governments at all levels to move beyond rhetoric and adopt extraordinary measures to confront this national emergency,” the statement said.

The association urged authorities to deploy all available security resources, technology and intelligence-gathering mechanisms to combat criminal elements terrorising communities nationwide.

CAN also called on the Federal Government to review and strengthen the nation’s security architecture by equipping security agencies with modern surveillance technology, drones, intelligence systems, communication gadgets and rapid-response capabilities.

It further urged the Federal Government to declare a state of emergency on security and accelerate efforts to establish state police across the country.

According to the association, the sophistication of some criminal networks makes it necessary for Nigeria to seek strategic technical and intelligence support from friendly nations and international security partners.

It stressed that national security should transcend politics, pride and bureaucracy, adding that every legitimate avenue capable of restoring peace should be explored.

The religious body also challenged South-West governors to intensify regional security collaboration and improve community-based intelligence gathering. It warned that forests, highways, farms and border communities within the region were becoming increasingly vulnerable to criminal infiltration and urged residents to remain vigilant, avoid unnecessary journeys through high-risk areas, promptly report suspicious activities to security agencies, and continue praying for peace, security and national healing.