The Lagos State chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has strongly condemned the recent abduction of school children in Oyo State, describing the incident as a disturbing reminder of the growing insecurity facing the nation.
Speaking during a media briefing in Lagos on Thursday, the Chairman of Lagos CAN, Bishop Stephen Adegbite, called on Nigerians to remain prayerful, united and supportive of security agencies in the ongoing fight against criminality and violence across the country.
Adegbite, who also serves as the Executive Secretary of the Nigeria Christian Pilgrims Commission, expressed deep concern over the increasing wave of kidnappings and attacks nationwide, but urged citizens not to lose hope in the ability of the government and security agencies to restore peace and safeguard lives and property.
The cleric particularly condemned the killing of a mathematics teacher, Mr. Michael Oyedokun, during the Oyo abduction incident, describing the act as cruel, inhuman and completely unacceptable.
“As Christian leaders and patriotic Nigerians, we shall continue to pray for peace, unity, progress and good governance in our dear country. We also call on all Nigerians, irrespective of political, ethnic or religious affiliations, to remain united and hopeful,” he said.
According to him, no religion or moral value system supports the shedding of innocent blood or the torment of helpless citizens.
“Such an inhuman act further confirms that the perpetrators are agents of evil and enemies of humanity, not representatives of any true religious teaching or value system. No genuine religion promotes the shedding of innocent blood or the suffering of innocent citizens,” Adegbite stated.
While acknowledging the fear and anxiety created by the recent security challenges, the CAN chairman maintained that the Federal Government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was taking strategic steps to address insecurity and secure the release of victims.
He disclosed that several security measures were currently being implemented, although some could not be publicly disclosed for operational reasons.
Adegbite also welcomed the appointment of a Special Adviser on Homeland Security, describing the move as a positive step towards strengthening intelligence gathering, coordination and the nation’s overall security architecture.
On the issue of civil demonstrations, the cleric affirmed the constitutional rights of citizens to peaceful protest and freedom of expression, but cautioned against using protests as tools for political destabilisation or incitement.
Commenting on the political landscape, Adegbite commended the All Progressives Congress (APC) for granting President Tinubu its presidential ticket for a second term bid, saying the decision would promote continuity, stability and the consolidation of ongoing reforms.
He also congratulated Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat on his emergence as the APC’s consensus governorship candidate for the forthcoming Lagos State governorship election, describing him as an experienced technocrat and seasoned administrator.
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