Plateau CAN Demands Urgent Action to End Insecurity

(CAN. Photo by Premuim Times)

The Plateau State chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, has urged the state government and other relevant agencies to take bold and decisive action to restore peace to the state and promote positive development and prosperity for its people.

The Christian body, which made this call during its maiden leadership retreat held from July 7 to 9, 2026, at the Miango Rest Home in Jos, stated that only an end to insecurity and adequate protection of lives and property across the state can guarantee prosperity.

In a communiqué issued at the end of the retreat by the State Chairman, Rev. Dr. Dunka Gomwalk, CAN described it as unfortunate that a state once known for peace and tranquility has endured decades of unrest, violence, and k!llings without the government taking decisive steps to end them.

The retreat, themed “Strategically Positioning CAN on the Plateau for the Future in the Face of Contemporary Challenges,” brought together church leaders, women and youth leaders, coordinators from the 17 local government areas, and other stakeholders.

Raising concerns that insecurity has continued to take different forms despite efforts by the government and security agencies, leaving many communities under constant threat.

CAN said it had resolved that the rising wave of att@cks in rural and urban communities must stop, and called on security agencies to step up efforts to protect lives and property.

It also encouraged communities to embrace community policing and the formation of vigilante groups, while urging the government to provide vulnerable communities with the security support needed to defend themselves.

CAN further demanded the prompt arrest and prosecution of those behind the att@cks, while stressing the need for strict enforcement of existing laws regulating the activities of hawkers, scrap metal scavengers, and motorcycle and tricycle operators.

Speaking on internally displaced persons, CAN condemned attempts to forcefully seize community lands and called on the government to recover such lands and ensure the rebuilding and resettlement of affected communities.

The body stated that the church has always spoken and will continue to speak with one voice on issues concerning the state and the church, and pledged to keep working with the government and people of other faiths to promote peaceful coexistence and good governance.