The President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Archbishop Daniel C. Okoh, has urged the Federal Government to intensify efforts to address the country's insecurity challenges. Speaking in Abuja on Friday, ahead of CAN's 50th anniversary celebration, Okoh emphasized that the level of insecurity in Nigeria has made it impossible to discuss the association's five-decade journey without highlighting the suffering inflicted on Nigerians by violence.
According to Okoh, Nigerians have suffered the consequences of terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, communal violence, and farmer-herder conflicts for over a decade. Places of worship have been attacked, worshippers killed, abducted, or displaced, while entire communities have been uprooted from their ancestral homes and forced into internally displaced persons' camps. Farmers have been driven away from their farmlands, contributing to hunger and food insecurity.
The CAN President stressed that the primary responsibility of the government is to protect lives and property, insisting that Nigerians should not be forced to negotiate with terrorists, bandits, or kidnappers simply to remain alive. He called for a security architecture capable of not only responding to attacks after they occur but also preventing them. Okoh emphasized that early warning must lead to early response.
Okoh urged the government to empower communities and civil society organizations to participate meaningfully in identifying emerging security threats. He acknowledged the efforts of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's administration to reduce violence and insecurity but noted that more needs to be done to improve the effectiveness of security agencies. Every Nigerian is looking forward to seeing an end to killings in the nation.
The CAN President's call for stronger security measures comes as the association prepares to launch its historical record, documenting the impact of insecurity on the Christian community and the wider Nigerian society over the past five decades. The record, which will be formally launched on October 17, 2026, highlights the suffering inflicted on Nigerians by violence.
Okoh's remarks reflect the concerns of many Nigerians who are seeking an end to the country's insecurity challenges. The Christian Association of Nigeria has been a vocal advocate for the rights and well-being of Christians in Nigeria, and its 50th anniversary celebration provides an opportunity for the association to reflect on its journey and reaffirm its commitment to promoting peace and security.
As Nigeria continues to grapple with insecurity challenges, the Christian Association of Nigeria's call for stronger security measures serves as a reminder of the need for the government to prioritize the protection of lives and property. The association's 50th anniversary celebration provides a platform for stakeholders to engage in discussions on promoting peace and security in Nigeria.
Key points
- The Christian Association of Nigeria is calling for stronger security measures to end killings, terrorism, and banditry in the country.
- The association's president, Archbishop Daniel C. Okoh, emphasized that the primary responsibility of the government is to protect lives and property.
- The Christian Association of Nigeria is set to launch its historical record, documenting the impact of insecurity on the Christian community and the wider Nigerian society over the past five decades.
