CAN North Seeks Federal Protection for Christmas, New Year Festivities

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…The CAN chairman emphasized that protecting the lives and property of all Nigerians is essential for national unity and social stability.

ABUJA, NIGERIA- The iNews Times | CAN in northern Nigeria has called on President Bola Tinubu and state governors to strengthen the nation’s security measures ahead of the Christmas and New Year celebrations.

Yakubu Pam, chairman of the association, expressed concern that rising insecurity is overshadowing Christmas festivities in many communities across the country.

In a statement released yesterday, he highlighted that many Christians are contemplating staying home due to fears for their safety, as highways, rural areas, and even places of worship have increasingly become targets of violent attacks.

The CAN chairman emphasized that protecting the lives and property of all Nigerians is essential for national unity and social stability. He said, “The persistent and deeply troubling security challenges confronting the nation, particularly the escalating activities of bandits, terrorists, and other criminal groups across many parts of Northern Nigeria, threaten our peace.”

He noted that Christmas, which celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ—the Prince of Peace—is traditionally marked by family reunions, communal worship, and acts of generosity, but the growing insecurity risks disrupting these cherished traditions.

Pam described this situation as unacceptable in a constitutional democracy, where freedoms of movement, worship, and association must always be safeguarded.

He urged the Federal Government and the governments of the 19 northern states to renew their commitment to constitutional responsibilities by strengthening security infrastructure, enhancing intelligence-led operations, and deploying sufficient security personnel to vulnerable areas, major highways, worship centres, and public gathering points throughout the festive season.

Finally, Pam advised Christians to remain cautious and vigilant, stressing that the darkness of insecurity will not last forever.