The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has decried the spate of criminal activities in some parts of the country.

The Christian leaders who met in Abuja on Thursday noted the efforts of the Federal Government in securing the lives and property of the people.

They, however, condemned the killing of innocent people by Boko Haram terrorists in the North-east, stressing the need for government to step up its effort.

”Boko Haram appeared to have resurrected again, decimating communities in Borno and Yobe states, in particular, not sparing soldiers,” the group said in a statement by Pastor Adebayo Oladeji, the media aide to CAN President, Dr Samson Ayokunle.

It added, “The Christian Association of Nigeria acknowledged the efforts of the Federal Government, military and other security agencies in fighting insurgency and all criminal activities in the country including kidnapping and armed robbery among others.

“The association, however, observes that the present effort of the government in providing security is not yielding the needed results as wanton killings have continued, especially in some states in the northern part of the country.”

CAN informed the government that the “resurgence” of insecurity in the North-east portends danger for the coming general elections.

It stressed further that if efforts at curtailing such were not increased, many residents might be disenfranchised from voting.

The group also warned the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies against supporting any political party or candidate in the coming elections.

It called on those seeking election into public offices to shun inducement of electoral and security officials during the polls and urged the electorates not allow anybody to buy their votes.

CAN welcomed the anti-corruption war of the Muhammadu Buhari administration, but insisted that due process must be followed.

It said, “We reaffirm our support for all efforts of government geared towards stamping out corruption from our country.

“We, however, caution that efforts geared towards stamping out corruption from Nigeria must follow due process of the law while the independence of each arm of government for peace and harmony in the society must be well maintained.”

“Wisdom and caution should be applied by those in government and other Nigerians in all that we do so that our actions and speeches might not set our nation on fire at this crucial period of election,” the group advised.

•Sourced from a Channels TV report

• President Muhammadu Buhari meets with members of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) at the State House in Abuja on November 16, 2018.

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