South-West CAN Urges FG to Declare Emergency on Insecurity

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), South-West Region, has called on the Federal Government to declare a state of emergency on insecurity as part of urgent measures to address the escalating cases of kidnapping, banditry, and violent crimes across the country.

The association expressed concern over the increasing wave of abductions and attacks in states including Oyo, Ekiti, Ondo, and Lagos, warning that the worsening security situation poses a serious threat to national peace, stability, and citizens’ safety.

The call was made during a press briefing on Sunday by its Chairman, Bishop Tunde Akin-Akinsanya, South-West CAN described the growing insecurity as a recurring national tragedy requiring immediate and decisive intervention from all levels of government.

The Christian body condemned the continued abduction of innocent Nigerians and sympathised with victims, their families, and communities affected by the menace. It also prayed for the safe release of those still in captivity.

According to CAN, government authorities must move beyond rhetoric and adopt extraordinary measures to tackle what it described as a national emergency.

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“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 statement said.

The association urged the Federal Government to strengthen the country’s security architecture by equipping security agencies with modern surveillance technology, drones, intelligence systems, communication gadgets, and rapid-response capabilities necessary for effective security operations.

CAN also called on the Federal Government to seek technical and intelligence support from friendly nations and international security partners, noting that criminal networks operating within the country have become increasingly sophisticated.

The body renewed its advocacy for the establishment of state police, urging the Federal Government to fast-track efforts toward decentralised policing, which it said would enhance local security management and improve response to emerging threats.

Addressing governors in the South-West, the association warned that forests, highways, farmlands, and border communities have become increasingly vulnerable to criminal activities. It therefore urged state governments to strengthen regional security collaboration, improve surveillance systems, and support community-based intelligence gathering.

CAN further advised Nigerians to remain vigilant, avoid unnecessary travel through high-risk areas, promptly report suspicious activities to security agencies, and continue to pray for peace, security, and national healing.