Insecurity Threatening Our Collective Survival – Christian association

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has declared that Nigeria is grappling with insecurity that “threatens our collective survival and national cohesion,” stating that the daily loss of innocent lives is “alarming and heartbreaking.”

President of CAN, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, gave the warning yesterday in his goodwill message at the opening of the Nigeria Inter-Religious Council (NIREC) meeting in Abuja.

Okoh, while commending the consistent efforts of NIREC members, whom he described as partners bound by a shared commitment to peace, justice, and the well-being of our nation, painted a stark picture of a nation under siege.

“Banditry, kidnapping for ransom, violent extremism, and other forms of criminality have spread across the country, leaving behind sorrow, fear, and displacement.

“Families are mourning, communities are being deserted, and citizens are increasingly anxious about their safety, at home, on farms, on highways, and even in places of worship.

“Insecurity is crippling our economy. Farmers are unable to access their farmlands, traders face rising operational challenges, and investors are discouraged by uncertainty. These realities continue to deepen poverty, hunger, and frustration, conditions that further fuel instability,” he said.

The cleric, however, acknowledged the efforts of the federal government under President Bola Tinubu.

“We acknowledge the renewed initiatives to strengthen security architecture in order to combat the activities of terrorists and bandits across the country, the President needs to do more,” he said.

The CAN president called for a strengthened partnership between the government and faith-based institutions, which he called a strategic national asset.

“Faith institutions remain among the most trusted and far-reaching structures in Nigeria. Because of their deep community roots, moral authority, and trusted presence, they are natural bridges to the hearts and minds of citizens,” he said.

He urged the government to draw even closer to these organisations, including NIREC, by recognising the unique value they offer in mobilising communities, promoting dialogue, and nurturing social harmony.

Okoh also reaffirmed CAN’s commitment to peacebuilding but stressed that justice is non-negotiable.

“Peace cannot be sustained without justice. Perpetrators of violence, and those who finance them or encourage them, must be held accountable; victims must be supported and rehabilitated; and communities must be reassured that the rule of law protects every citizen equally,” he said.

He also praised the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, for his unwavering faith in Nigeria and strong devotion to nation-building, and also commended the former SGF, Barrister Boss Gida Mustapha, for his past and continued support for NIREC.

“We must continue to use our influence to encourage citizens to reject violence, resist misinformation, cooperate with lawful authorities, and uphold the enduring values of honesty, compassion, and national unity. Our unity across faith lines is, in itself, a message of hope to a nation weary of fear and division,” Okoh said.

The meeting, attended by eminent religious and government leaders, is expected to deliberate on actionable strategies to enhance interfaith cooperation and national security.