CAN Raises The Alarm Over Spiralling Hardship, Security Challenges, Increased Poverty Rates

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the 19 Northern States and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has expressed grave concern about the country’s current economic downturn and growing security challenges.

This was stated in a statement released and signed by its Secretary General, Elder Sunday Oibe, and made available to journalists.

According to the statement, “The country’s suffering is becoming unbearable for ordinary Nigerians.” Food, transportation, goods, and services are all prohibitively expensive, making life difficult for many Nigerians.

“The epileptic power supply has failed many small businesses. The continued depreciation of the naira, combined with the government’s apparent inability to address the situation, has completely eroded ordinary Nigerians’ purchasing power.

“The situation is exacerbated by rising insecurity as a result of widespread killings and kidnappings for ransom.”

“The government must respond immediately to the country’s deteriorating economy and escalating security situation.”

The Northern CAN also observed recent bandit activity in Plateau State and other parts of the country.

It adds: “We are saddened by the attacks by bandits in Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau, where many people were killed and several houses were burned barely a month after several communities in Barkin Ladi, Bokkos, and the same Mangu were raided by bandits, resulting in the killing of over 300 people.”

Furthermore, the association urged the government to do everything possible to put an end to the killings, not just in Plateau but across the country.

“These killings have continued because the perpetrators have never been brought to justice.

“We have been wondering why the government has not held anyone accountable for the country’s mass killings.

“Unless justice is served by bringing the perpetrators and sponsors to justice, all peace talks will be futile.

“Just when we thought banditry and kidnapping were under control, they reappeared more daringly, particularly in Abuja, the country’s capital, which was previously thought to be safe because it was the seat of power and housed all of the security apparatus.”

“Brutal killings of traditional rulers in Ekiti and Kwara states, as well as the kidnapping of schoolchildren, are signs that Nigeria is on the verge of disaster.

“Regardless, we applaud our security agencies’ sacrifices and patriotism in apprehending these criminals. We urged them not to give up their attempts to crush them.

“We recommend reviewing the security architecture to ensure that action is taken effectively and decisively.

“We urge all levels of government to provide the resources our security agencies require to combat these criminals.

“We also encourage Nigerians to support and pray for security personnel as they face the country’s enemies,” the statement read.

In the same vein, Northern CAN expressed concern about the establishment of a security outfit by a tribal group, Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore, in Nasarawa state, saying, “We find the establishment of the security outfit by a group whose SOME of its members are accused of banditry and kidnapping across the country very disturbing.”

“Northern CAN wishes to make it clear that allowing any ethnocultural group to establish a security force is an invitation to anarchy.

“The government should take this issue seriously to maintain peace and security. No ethnic group should be permitted to form its security force.

“Northern CAN would also like to comment on the proposed relocation of the Federal Airport Authority (FAAN) headquarters and certain departments of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) from Abuja to Lagos.

“Since the announcement of the planned relocation, there has been a lot of noise from individuals and groups opposing the policy, particularly in the country’s north.

“Several northern individuals and groups, particularly the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), the Northern Elders Forum (NEF), Northern Senators, and several northern organisations, have been advocating against relocation.

“It is unfortunate that we have introduced ethnic and regional sentiments into a seemingly innocent policy aimed at streamlining operations, increasing agency effectiveness, and lowering costs.

“We should learn to look at government policies objectively, rather than through regional and tribal filters.

“We urge Nigerians to support the current administration to overcome the eight years of disaster and regression brought on by former President Mohammadu Buhari’s failed administration.

“Northern CAN urged President Bola Tinubu to calm down and confront these issues so that Nigeria can recover. We encourage Christians to continue praying fervently for the country,” the statement reads.