The President of the Christian Association of Nigeria(CAN), Archbishop Daniel Okoh, has acknowledged the efforts of President Bola Tinubu in the fight against banditry, terrorism and others forms of insecurity, but said he should do more.
The association said that beyond the human tragedy, insecurity is crippling the economy as farmers can no longer access their farmlands, while traders face rising operational challenges amid fear of investment in the country.
These realities, CAN said, continue to deepen poverty, hunger, and frustration-conditions that further fuel instability.
Okoh said these at the opening ceremony of opening of a meeting of the. Ngerian Inter-Religious Council (NIREC) in Abuja.
“Nigeria continues to grapple with insecurity that threatens our collective survival and national cohesion. Banditry, kidnapping for ransom, violent extremism, and other forms of criminality have spread across the country-leaving behind sorrow, fear, and displacement.
“The daily loss of innocent lives is alarming and heartbreaking. 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.
“Beyond the human tragedy, 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.
“While government bears the constitutional responsibility to protect lives and property, religious leaders carry a sacred moral responsibility to build mutual trust and foster religious harmony within communities. At this juncture, I would like to acknowledge the ongoing efforts of the Federal Government under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to reduce the level of insecurity in our nation.
“We acknowledge the renewed initiatives to strengthen security architecture in order to combat the activities of terrorists and bandits across the country and we encourage His Excellency to do more,” Okoh said.
The CAN President said while faith institutions remain among the most trusted and far-reaching structures in Nigeria, pulpits, mosques, and community networks shape values, guide behaviour, and can either calm tensions or escalate distrust.
According to him, faith-based organisations therefore hold immense potential for strengthening security and sustaining peace, adding that because of their deep community roots, moral authority, and trusted presence, they are natural bridges to the hearts and minds of citizens.
Okoh said, “We, therefore, encourage government at all levels 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.
“Working hand-in-hand – sharing insights, coordinating initiatives, and jointly seeking solutions – will produce far greater impact. Such partnership enhances public trust and ensures that peacebuilding strategies are people-centred and inclusive.
“Together, we can transform hope into collective action – and build a safer, more stable, and more united Nigeria. NIREC remains a strategic national asset. It enables us to speak with one voice against violence, condemn criminality in all its forms – irrespective of the victims’ identity – and affirm that no religion justifies the taking of innocent lives. This, I trust, we shall continue to uphold with all sincerity.
“CAN reaffirms its full commitment to support NIREC and collaborate with government in restoring peace and security nationwide. However, 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.
“As religious leaders, we must intensify prayers alongside action. 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.”
Source: Arise
