The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has raised a stark alarm over the worsening state of insecurity across the nation, declaring that Nigeria is “bleeding” under the weight of unrelenting violent crimes.
In a powerful statement addressing the nation’s current crises, the apex Christian body lamented the devastating impact of terrorism, banditry, and kidnapping. CAN noted that the continuous wave of violence has not only claimed thousands of innocent lives but has also shattered families and permanently displaced countless communities.
Expressing deep concern over the apparent helplessness of citizens, the association emphasized that the security situation has deteriorated to a critical breaking point.
”Nigeria is bleeding from the effects of terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, and other forms of violent crimes,” the statement read. “Thousands of lives have been cut short, and entire communities have been uprooted from their ancestral homes, leaving a trail of grief, trauma, and economic ruin.”
The body highlighted that the frequency of highway ambushes, mass abductions of students and travelers, and attacks on faith-based leaders have created an atmosphere of pervasive fear, restricting the freedom of movement and economic activities of everyday Nigerians.
CAN urged the federal government and security agencies to move beyond routine condemnations and deploy more decisive, proactive strategies to dismantle criminal networks. The association stressed that the primary constitutional duty of any government is the protection of lives and property, a mandate that currently requires urgent and reinforced commitment.
Key areas of concern raised by the association include the growing humanitarian crisis in Internal Displaced Persons (IDP) camps, where thousands lack basic necessities.
The inability of farmers to access their lands due to banditry, worsening the country’s food security challenges and the booming “industry” of kidnapping, which continues to impoverish victims’ families.
While demanding immediate operational shifts from the nation’s security architecture, CAN also called on Nigerians of all faiths to remain resilient and united. The leadership urged continuous prayers for peace, wisdom for political leaders, and protection for the frontline security personnel fighting to restore order to the nation.
