The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the 19 Northern states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has appealed to President Bola Tinubu and northern governors to take urgent and decisive steps to protect lives and property during the Christmas season and beyond.
In a statement on Thursday in Kaduna, Rev. Yakubu Pam, Chairman of Northern CAN, expressed concerns over the renewed activities of bandits, terrorists and other criminal groups in parts of the north.
He said the Christmas season, which should be marked by peace and goodwill, is being overshadowed by fear arising from persistent insecurity across Northern Nigeria.
“The Yuletide season ushers in a period of spiritual reflection, peace, and goodwill across the world as the world celebrates this occasion, I wish to call on President Bola Tinubu, governors of the Northern states and the FCT minister to take urgent, visible, and decisive steps to guarantee the safety of lives and property during the celebrations and beyond”, Pam said.
According to him, the appeal is against the background of “persistent and deeply troubling security challenges confronting the nation in recent times, particularly the escalating activities of bandits, terrorists, and other criminal groups across many parts of Northern Nigeria.”
Pam noted that insecurity has continued to “create an atmosphere of fear and uncertainty, significantly affecting the confidence of citizens, especially Christian faithfuls, who now find it increasingly difficult to travel freely and congregate for worship during this sacred period.”
The CAN chairman said, “Christmas represents the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace, and it is traditionally marked by family reunions, communal worship, and acts of love and generosity, noting that the increasing insecurity threatens the festivities.
He said information available to Northern CAN shows that many Christians are reconsidering travel plans due to fear for their lives.
He added that “a large number of Christians are considering staying back in their places of residence out of fear for their safety, as highways, rural communities, and even places of worship have become targets of violent attacks”.
He said, “This unfortunate reality is unacceptable in a constitutional democracy where freedom of movement, worship, and association must be protected at all times.
“We therefore strongly urge the federal government and governments in the 19 Northern states to demonstrate renewed commitment to their constitutional obligations by strengthening security architecture, enhancing intelligence driven operations, and deploying adequate security personnel to vulnerable areas, major highways, worship centres, and public gathering points throughout the Yuletide period”.
According to him, “The assurance of safety for all citizens is fundamental to national unity and social stability.”
Pam also advised Christians to remain cautious and to exercise wisdom, vigilance, and restraint while remaining steadfast in prayer and faith.
“Even in moments of great trial, we must continue to embody the message of peace, hope, and resilience, which this season signifies.
“We remain confident that the darkness of insecurity will not prevail indefinitely, and we trust that with purposeful leadership, collective responsibility, and divine intervention, Nigeria will overcome the present challenges and emerge stronger and more united,” he said.
