The Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, in the 19 Northern States and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has expressed concern over the prevailing economic hardship and the increasing security challenges across the country.
In a statement issued by its Secretary General, Elder Sunday Oibe on Friday, he noted that the suffering in the country is becoming unbearable for ordinary Nigerians.
“The high cost of foodstuffs, transportation, goods and services has made life difficult for many Nigerians,” the statement explained.
It observed that epileptic power supply has also led to the collapse of many small businesses, the continued decline in the value of the naira and the seeming inability of the government to address the situation has completely weakened the purchasing power of ordinary Nigerians.
The statement said ”The situation is further compounded by escalating insecurity occasioned by rampant killings and kidnapping for ransom, the government must take urgent steps to address the depressing economic and escalating security situation in the country.
Northern CAN also noted the rampaging activities of bandits in Plateau State and other parts of the country in recent times, pointing out that they are saddened by the attacks by bandits in Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau where many people were killed and several houses burnt barely a month after several communities in Barkin Ladi, Bokkos and the same Mangu, were raided by bandits resulting in the killings of over 300 people.
The statement appealed to the government to do everything possible to stop the killings not only in Plateau but across the country, alleging that the killings have continued because the perpetrators have never been brought to justice.
“We have continued to wonder why the government has not been able to hold anyone accountable for the mass killings going on in the country. Unless justice is done, by ensuring that the perpetrators and whoever are the sponsors are brought to book, all the peace talks may be mere rhetorics.”
