LAGOS — The Lagos State chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, has condemned the recent kidnapping of school children in Oyo State and called on Nigerians to remain prayerful, united and supportive of security agencies in the fight against insecurity.
He particularly condemned the killing of a mathematics teacher, Mr. Michael Oyedokun, during the Oyo abduction incident, describing the act as inhuman and evil.
According to him, “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.
“Nigeria shall overcome its present challenges and emerge stronger by the grace of God.”
The cleric said the killing of innocent citizens could not be justified by any religion or value system.
“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 torment of helpless citizens,” he said.
Bishop Adegbite acknowledged the fear and anxiety generated by recent cases of kidnapping and attacks across the country, but maintained that the Federal Government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was taking steps to address the situation.
He disclosed that strategic measures, some of which could not be made public for security reasons, were being implemented to combat insecurity and secure the release of victims.
The CAN chairman also welcomed the appointment of a Special Adviser on Homeland Security, describing it as a positive development that would strengthen intelligence gathering, coordination and the nation’s security architecture.
While recognising the constitutional rights of citizens to peaceful protest and freedom of expression, Adegbite cautioned against the use of protests as instruments of political destabilisation or incitement.
On the political front, the cleric commended the All Progressives Congress, APC, for granting President Tinubu the party’s presidential ticket for a second term bid, describing the decision as a step towards continuity, stability and consolidation of ongoing reforms.
He also congratulated Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat on his emergence as the consensus governorship candidate of the APC for the forthcoming Lagos State governorship election, describing him as an experienced technocrat and seasoned administrator.
