Nigerian religious and civic leaders have raised alarm over the country’s deteriorating security situation, warning that persistent violence and instability are undermining public safety and eroding confidence in national leadership.
Most Reverend Bulus Dauwa Yohanna, Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Niger State and Catholic Bishop of Kontagora Diocese, voiced deep concern during a CAN council meeting in Minna. He described Nigeria as having “nosedived into a state of fear,” citing ongoing insecurity, economic hardship, and unfulfilled governmental promises as key drivers of public anxiety.
Bishop Yohanna pointed to a surge in violent incidents, including kidnappings, abductions, killings, destruction of homes, and attacks on markets and farmlands. He noted that foreign governments have begun issuing travel advisories cautioning their citizens against visiting certain Nigerian states and even the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, due to security threats.
“Who is safe, and where in Nigeria can one boast of safety?” the cleric asked, highlighting the vulnerability even of high-ranking military officials. He referenced circulating security alerts and leaked internal memos—including one allegedly from the Nigeria Customs Service—warning of possible attacks on government facilities and military bases in Abuja and other states, including Niger.
While acknowledging uncertainty around some reports, Bishop Yohanna urged vigilance, security awareness, and collective prayer, expressing hope that “good will triumph over evil.”
He called on President Bola Tinubu and Niger State Governor Umar Bago to urgently reinforce security measures, warning that the current climate reflects deeper systemic issues. The cleric stressed that meaningful national improvement requires a collective shift in public conduct, cautioning that failure to act responsibly will continue to affect all sectors of national life.
The remarks come amid growing national concern over the capacity of security agencies to contain widespread violence and restore public confidence in governance.
