The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has appealed to the government to address the root causes of insecurity and ensure justice for victims of heinous crimes.

The President of CAN, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, made the appeal on Wednesday in Abuja, at the 32nd Triennial General Assembly and 96th anniversary of the Christian Council of Nigeria (CCN).

The theme of the event is, “God’s Demand for Justice and Righteousness,” drawn from Amos 5:24.

Mr Okoh called on the government to strengthen the nation’s security architecture to protect the lives and property of all Nigerian.

The cleric urged the Church to speak “sincerely and courageously against injustice, inequality, and corruption,” and defend the cause of the voiceless.

He also called on the Christian Council of Nigeria to stand firmly with CAN in demanding that the government protect the sanctity of human life and the dignity of all citizens.

“The government has a constitutional, moral, and sacred responsibility to protect lives and property.

The government must strengthen security architecture in vulnerable communities and bring perpetrators of crimes to justice.

“The Church must stand united in demanding justice for victims of heinous acts and work together to build a nation where justice flows freely,” he said.

In a welcome address, Chairman, CCN, FCT Chapter, Rev.Adams Mutuwa, urged delegates to approach the meeting with a spirit of overcoming faith.

Mr Mutuwa, who acknowledged the hardships and security challenges confronting the nation, emphasised that the Church’s hope is anchored in God’s sovereignty, “not in the transient times of the world.”

He reminded the delegates of the importance of unity and purposeful action, citing the Book of 2 Corinthians 4:8-10 in the Holy Bible, where the Apostle Paul writes about being hard-pressed but not crushed.

Also speaking, Chairman of the North Central Zone and Archbishop of the Methodist Archdiocese of Abuja, Most Rev. Michael Akinwale, emphasised the need for the Church to speak truth to power and demand justice in the face of injustice.

Mr Akinwale noted that the CCN, as a major block within the CAN, stands out as a voice for the voiceless, promoting Christian dignity and integrity, national integration, good governance, and social action.

He urged the gathering not to shy away from the truth and to speak out against injustice. 

(NAN)