The President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Archbishop Daniel Okoh, has raised fresh concerns over the worsening spate of insecurity across the country, warning that the situation is not only claiming innocent lives but also crippling economic activities and discouraging both local and foreign investment.

Archbishop Okoh made the remarks on Wednesday at the opening of the Nigeria Inter-Religious Council (NIREC) meeting held in Abuja.

In his goodwill message, the CAN President lamented that the nation was facing a critical moment as banditry, kidnapping, violent extremism, and other forms of criminality continued to spread across the country.

He noted that the daily loss of lives, displacement of communities, and rising fear among citizens had reached alarming proportions, leaving families in mourning and communities deserted.

“Citizens are increasingly anxious about their safety, at home, on farms, on highways, and even in places of worship,” he said.

According to Okoh, the effects of insecurity go beyond human tragedy, posing significant threats to the nation’s economic stability.

He stated that farmers were being denied access to farmlands, traders were struggling with increasing operational risks, and investors were becoming more hesitant due to uncertainty.

These challenges, he warned, were deepening poverty, hunger, and frustration, thereby creating conditions that further fuel instability.

While acknowledging that the government carries the constitutional responsibility for protecting lives and property, the CAN President stressed that religious leaders also have a crucial moral duty to help foster understanding, peace, and harmony.

He commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration for its ongoing efforts to strengthen national security, but urged the government to intensify its actions.

“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,” he said.

Archbishop Okoh also commended the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, for his unwavering commitment to the work of NIREC, and praised former SGF, Boss Mustapha, for his enduring contributions to strengthening interfaith dialogue and cooperation.

He emphasised that faith-based institutions remain among the most trusted and far-reaching platforms in Nigeria, noting that religious leaders wield influence capable of shaping values, calming tensions, and promoting peaceful coexistence.

Because of this, he urged governments at all levels to work more closely with organisations such as NIREC to enhance community mobilisation, promote dialogue, and build trust.

“Working hand-in-hand, sharing insights, coordinating initiatives, and jointly seeking solutions, will produce far greater impact,” he said, adding that such collaboration would help promote inclusive, people-centred security strategies.

Describing NIREC as a strategic national asset, Okoh said the council plays a key role in ensuring leaders of different faiths speak with a united voice against violence. He stressed that no religion justifies the killing of innocent people and called for justice to be upheld at all levels.

“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,” he said.

The CAN President also urged religious leaders to complement prayers with concrete action by encouraging citizens to reject violence, resist misinformation, cooperate with lawful authorities, and uphold honesty, compassion, and unity.

He maintained that interreligious unity in itself sends a strong message of hope to Nigerians weary of fear and division.

As the NIREC meeting continued, Archbishop Okoh expressed optimism that the deliberations would yield practical, measurable, and actionable outcomes that would strengthen interfaith cooperation and contribute to lasting peace in the country. (Nigerian Tribune)

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