By Amina Samuel, Kaduna
The leadership of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) from the 19 Northern states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has voiced deep concerns over rising insecurity, systemic discrimination, and threats to religious freedom.
This came during a high-level meeting with National Security Adviser (NSA) Mallam Nuhu Ribadu at his office in Abuja.
Also present were the Director General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Mr. Adeola Oluwatosin Ajayi, and the Director General of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), Ambassador Mohammed Mohammed.
In a 14-point communiqué issued after the meeting, CAN leaders, represented by Chairman Rev. John Joseph Hayab and Secretary-General Bishop Mohammed Naga, commended the NSA for his openness but warned of the dire consequences of inaction.
The group expressed alarm over the increasing marginalisation of Christians in the North, noting that unchecked ethno-religious bias could destabilise the country.
They identified inflammatory sermons by religious clerics as a key trigger for violence and urged authorities to regulate religious preaching to prevent incitement.
CAN also condemned the use of social media to spread fake news and hate speech, calling for investment in digital tracking technologies to support law enforcement.
The body raised concern over the growing number of internally displaced persons (IDPs), stressing that failure to rehabilitate victims of violence may lead to long-term trauma and reprisals.
Commending President Bola Tinubu’s initiative on the National Commission for Almajiris and Out-of-School Children, CAN recommended expanding its mandate to include rehabilitation and conventional education.
The Christian leaders criticised the reintegration programme for ex-Boko Haram fighters, citing instances where former militants have become security threats in host communities.
They called for more rigorous de-radicalisation before reintegration.
CAN further decried discriminatory practices, including denial of land for church construction, bias in public appointments and school admissions, and the forceful conversion of underage Christian girls under the pretext of marriage.
“These acts violate the constitutional right to freedom of religion and are eroding trust among citizens,” the communiqué warned.
To promote peace, CAN proposed the formation of a regional interfaith forum of respected Christian and Muslim leaders to champion coexistence.
They also highlighted the importance of sensitising youths on drug abuse and leveraging religious institutions in national security efforts.
Despite the challenges raised, CAN expressed gratitude to the NSA for the engagement and pledged continued cooperation to foster national peace.
“We consider this engagement as a bold step towards securing the nation through open, honest, and inclusive dialogue,” the statement concluded.
The meeting is seen as part of the NSA’s ongoing peacebuilding initiative aimed at addressing Nigeria’s deepening security and religious challenges.
