The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has urged the Federal Government to take stronger action to address the country’s deteriorating security situation and fulfill its constitutional duty of protecting citizens across all regions and faiths.
Speaking at the opening of the 32nd Triennial General Assembly of the Christian Council of Nigeria (CCN) in Abuja on Wednesday, CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, said the spate of violence, particularly in rural and vulnerable communities, demanded urgent and uncompromising intervention from the authorities.
Nigeria has witnessed multiple attacks in recent months, including mass kidnappings, killings, and the destruction of farming communities across Kaduna, Plateau, Niger, Zamfara and Benue States.
More than 4,000 Nigerians have been killed across the country this year, according to data compiled by several conflict-monitoring organisations.
In Plateau State alone, over 200 people were killed between December 2023 and January 2024, prompting international calls for accountability.
Referencing these concerns, Okoh reminded the government that the security crisis had reached a critical point. He urged authorities to strengthen security architecture in high-risk areas and ensure that those behind violent attacks are swiftly brought to justice.
He said the government must also “address the root of insecurity boldly” by tackling the proliferation of arms, supporting displaced families and rebuilding communities destroyed by bandits, insurgents and other violent groups.
According to him, the demand for improved security should not be interpreted as a form of political criticism, but rather as a fundamental call to safeguard human dignity.
“This is not a political demand; it is a humanitarian, moral and spiritual obligation. We must stand together as one body, with one voice, pursuing one mission: the protection of the sanctity of human life and the dignity of all citizens. We must be united in our approach and demand justice for victims of these heinous acts,” he said.
Okoh urged the Christian Council of Nigeria to remain firm and vocal on issues of justice and national cohesion, saying the Church must rise to defend vulnerable communities and speak for those whose voices are rarely heard.
“We must be united more than ever. I, therefore, call on CCN to stand firmly with CAN and the entire Christian community on this matter. Our voices must not waver,” the cleric said. “As you deliberate under this powerful theme, Demand for Justice and Righteousness, I urge you to speak courageously, defend the cause of the voiceless and challenge the Church in Nigeria to embody the gospel in practical, credible and transformative ways. Our Christian witness today will not be judged merely by our prayers or magnificent sanctuaries, but by how faithfully we reflect the character of Christ in our commitment to justice, compassion and righteousness.”
The CAN President said the country required deep spiritual reflection and renewal in order to rebuild trust, restore peace and foster unity among its diverse population. He charged Christians to recommit themselves to values that promote peace, fairness and compassion.
He emphasised the need “to build a nation where justice flows freely, where truth is honoured, where righteousness governs, and where every Nigerian can live without fear,” adding that participants must uphold the unity of the Church, defend the oppressed and advance values that promote harmonious coexistence.
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