By Lateef Ibrahim, Abuja
Obviously perturbed by the seemingly unabated level of kidnappings and general insecurity in the country, the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, has appealed to the international community to come to the aid of Nigeria without further delay.
The Association made the appeal yesterday in a statement signed by its President, Dr. Samson Olasupo Ayokunle, The CAN, which is an umbrella body for Christians in the country, said it was obvious that the government had become unable to salvage the situation and not humble enough to admit its failure.
The appeal by the Association came on the heel of the kidnapping of 140 students of Bethel Baptist High School in Kaduna on Monday.
The Christians’ umbrella body, which strongly condemned the rate of insecurity in the nation.
The statement reads, “The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) hereby condemns the abduction of these school children and other abductions in its entirety.
“We hereby call on international communities to come to the aid of Nigeria as they did in Syria because it appears that our leaders are incapacitated and are not humble enough to admit failure. They are unwilling to seek help.”
The association, in its statement, pointed out that a government has no business shaking hands, attending international fora, sending emissaries to other countries and commissioning projects when the lives of an average citizen of its own country is greatly at stake.
It stated that it is a sin and a crime against humanity to have zero regards for the lives of others or be unable to provide security for citizens.
According to CAN, “Kidnapping and abduction are now a thriving business in Nigeria and it is almost becoming synonymous with the leadership of President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR.
“It is very evident by each passing hour that this present administration is just paying lip service to the issues of security.
“Whereas, provision of adequate security for all Nigerian citizens was one of the campaign promises of President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, in the 2015/2019 general elections and the major reason people voted for him was being an ex-military man, the administration has failed woefully to keep campaign promise. “The former administration of President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan was severely criticized by our present leaders for inability to curb the activities of Boko Haram, but today we are not only being harassed by Boko Haram and Islamic State of West African Province (who recently appointed their own governor for Borno State) we are terribly traumatized by bandits, kidnappers and other criminals.
“Nigeria is no longer a safe haven. It has gradually become a den of kidnappers and other criminals who are operating almost unchecked. It is obvious that the security operatives are overwhelmed”, it said.
The Association however made some demands from government, which include:
*That President Muhammadu Buhari GCFR must ensure a safe return and reunion of all the 140 innocent pupils of Bethel Baptist College, Kaduna to their families and others in captivity.
*That President Muhammadu Buhari GCFR should summon all the security chiefs and cause them to explain why the criminals are operating with ease in Nigeria without being brought to book.
*That President Muhammadu Buhari GCFR should caution His Excellency, Mallam Nasiru El-Rufai from talking more than acting.
*That President Muhammadu Buhari GCFR has indeed lost grip on the leadership of this nation, especially his inability to provide security for citizens of this nation. He should therefore seek foreign assistance before it is too late.
*We enjoin all Christians nationwide to lift up their voices to God to get the students of Bethel Baptist College and all those in captivity released as soon as possible.
