CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATION OF NIGERIA (CAN), SOUTH-WEST REGION
PRESS RELEASE
RISING WAVE OF KIDNAPPINGS AND INSECURITY: SOUTH-WEST CAN CALLS FOR URGENT AND DECISIVE ACTION
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), South-West Region, expresses profound concern and deep anguish over the alarming escalation of kidnappings, banditry, and violent crimes across Oyo, Ekiti, Ondo, Lagos, and several other parts of Nigeria.
Recent incidents of abductions and attacks on innocent citizens, young and old, have further heightened fear, anxiety, and uncertainty among Nigerians. What was once considered an occasional security breach has now become a recurring national tragedy that threatens the peace, economic stability, and social cohesion of our nation.
CAN South-West strongly condemns these criminal acts and sympathises with the victims, their families, and communities affected by this growing insecurity. We pray for the safe release of those currently in captivity and for divine comfort for families who have suffered losses.
Government Must Act Decisively
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 Federal Government should immediately review and strengthen the nation’s security architecture and ensure that all security agencies are adequately equipped with modern surveillance technology, drones, intelligence systems, communication gadgets, and rapid-response capabilities necessary for effective contemporary security operations.
Federal government should declare state of emergency on Security
Seek International Collaboration
Given the sophisticated nature of some of these criminal networks, we urge the Federal Government to seek strategic technical and intelligence support from friendly nations and international security partners where necessary. National security should transcend pride, politics, and bureaucracy. Every legitimate avenue capable of restoring peace and security to our nation should be explored.
The Federal Government should spead up the process of making state police a reality in this nation.
South-West Governors Must Be Proactive
The South-West geopolitical zone can no longer afford complacency. Our forests, highways, farms, and border communities are increasingly vulnerable to criminal infiltration. The region appears to be gradually encircled by growing security threats.
We therefore call on the governors of the South-West States to strengthen regional security collaboration, support community-based intelligence gathering, improve surveillance, and enhance the operational effectiveness of existing security outfits.
A Call to the Church
As people of faith, we must not surrender to fear (2 Tim.1:7). Rather, we should:
1. Intensify our prayers for peace, security, and national healing (John 14:27).
2. Remain steadfast in faith and trust in God’s protection.
3. Exercise caution regarding night vigils and other late-night gatherings where security cannot be adequately guaranteed.
4. Avoid unnecessary journeys, especially through high-risk areas.
5. Be our brothers’ and sisters’ keepers by remaining vigilant and promptly reporting suspicious activities to relevant authorities.
May God deliver our nation from the hands of evil and restore lasting peace, security, and prosperity to Nigeria. Amen.
Signed
*Bishop Dr. Barnabas Tunde Akin-Akinsanya*
CAN Chairman, South West, Nigeria
7/6/2026