South-West CAN Backs Emergency, State Police Reform Push
South-West CAN backs emergency, state police reform push
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the South-West has called on the Federal Government to urgently declare a state of emergency on security, following rising cases of kidnappings, banditry, and violent crimes across the country.
As reported by Vanguard and also referenced in The Punch, the appeal was made by the Chairman of the association in the region, Bishop Barnabas Tunde Akin-Akinsanya. He said insecurity in states such as Oyo, Ekiti, Ondo, and Lagos has escalated to a level that now threatens peace, economic activity, and social stability.
He explained that kidnapping, once treated as isolated incidents, has become frequent and widespread. According to him, the development has created fear among citizens and disrupted normal life in many communities.
Akin-Akinsanya condemned the activities of armed groups behind abductions and attacks. He expressed sympathy with victims and their families and prayed for the safe release of those still in captivity.
He urged governments at all levels to go beyond statements and adopt stronger, coordinated action to address what he described as a national security emergency.
According to him, the situation requires urgent and sustained efforts to dismantle criminal networks operating across different regions of the country.
CAN also called for improved security investment. It urged the Federal Government to provide security agencies with modern surveillance systems, drones, advanced communication tools, and stronger intelligence capacity to enhance response operations.
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The association further recommended stronger collaboration with international partners, saying Nigeria should explore every legitimate avenue that can help restore peace and security.
It also restated its support for the creation of state police, arguing that decentralised policing would help address the unique security challenges across different regions.
Akin-Akinsanya said state policing would improve rapid response and strengthen local security management.
The association raised concerns over the increasing use of forests, highways, farmlands, and border communities in the South-West as operational bases for criminal groups. It called for stronger surveillance and joint security action in those areas.
CAN urged state governments to deepen inter-state cooperation, improve intelligence sharing, and strengthen existing regional security arrangements. It also encouraged greater investment in community-based intelligence to help prevent attacks before they occur.
While calling on Christians to remain prayerful, the association advised churches to exercise caution during night activities, especially in areas with weak security presence. It also urged Nigerians to stay alert, avoid risky routes, and report suspicious movements to security authorities.
CAN concluded by praying for divine intervention, asking for lasting peace, security, and stability across Nigeria.
Content Credit: Azeez Amosun
Image Credit: Google.com
