Plateau CAN Urges Government to End Insecurity, Protect Lives and Property

The Plateau State chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, has called on the state government and relevant security agencies to take decisive measures to restore peace and ensure the protection of lives and property across the state.

 

CAN made the call during its maiden leadership retreat held from July 7 to 9, 2026, at the Miango Rest Home in Jos, stressing that lasting development and prosperity could only be achieved in an atmosphere of peace and security.

 

In a communiqué issued at the end of the retreat and signed by the State Chairman, Rev. Dr. Dunka Gomwalk, the Christian body expressed concern over the prolonged insecurity in the state, describing it as unfortunate that Plateau, once known for its peace and tranquility, had experienced years of violence and killings.

 

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 representatives, coordinators from the 17 local government areas and other stakeholders.

 

CAN noted that despite interventions by the government and security agencies, insecurity had continued to take new forms, leaving several communities under constant threat.

 

The organisation urged security agencies to intensify efforts to safeguard communities and called on residents to support community policing initiatives and the establishment of vigilante groups.

 

It also appealed to the government to provide vulnerable communities with the necessary security support to protect themselves while ensuring that perpetrators of attacks are arrested and prosecuted.

 

The Christian body further called for strict enforcement of existing laws regulating the activities of hawkers, scrap metal scavengers, motorcycle operators and tricycle riders.

 

On the issue of internally displaced persons, CAN condemned alleged attempts to take over community lands and urged the government to recover such lands while facilitating the rebuilding and resettlement of affected communities.

 

“The church has always been one and will continue to speak with one voice on issues that concern the state and the church,” the body stated.

 

CAN reaffirmed its commitment to working with government authorities and people of other faiths to promote peaceful coexistence, security and good governance in Plateau State.