•••Calls of South West Governors to Unite on Regional Security
By Kamsi Anayo
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), South-West Region, has expressed 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.
Bishop Barnabas Tunde Akin-Akinsanya, CAN Chairman, South West, Nigeria, made the disclosure in a statement on Sunday.
The Association called on the Federal Government to fast track the process of the introduction of state police in the country.
Bishop Akin-Akinsanya also urged the governors of the South West to take urgent steps to strengthen regional security.
“The Federal Government should speed up the process of making state police a reality in this nation.
“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,” the Bishop said.
He said that the 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,” he stated.
According to him, 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,” Akin-Akinsanya stressed.
He urged the Federal Government to 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.
“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.” He added
