CAN youths seek justice, security amid concerns over insecurity

The Youth Wing of the Christian Association of Nigeria (YOWICAN) has called on the Federal Government to intensify efforts toward ensuring justice, security, and equal protection for all citizens, irrespective of religion or ethnicity. Speaking during the CRC–N National Youth Fellowship Convention held in Donga Local Government Area of Taraba State, the National Secretary of […]

The Youth Wing of the Christian Association of Nigeria (YOWICAN) has called on the Federal Government to intensify efforts toward ensuring justice, security, and equal protection for all citizens, irrespective of religion or ethnicity.

Speaking during the CRC–N National Youth Fellowship Convention held in Donga Local Government Area of Taraba State, the National Secretary of YOWICAN, Elder Bako Adashu Elijah, said the youth body was deeply concerned about the state of insecurity across the country, especially attacks on communities in parts of the North.

He said the Nigerian Constitution places the security and welfare of citizens as the government’s primary duty and urged all levels of authority to uphold this responsibility without discrimination.

“The security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of government,” Elijah quoted from Section 14(2)(b) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), adding that citizens expect the government to match this constitutional promise with action.

The YOWICAN official said the group’s call followed ongoing debates over comments by the U.S. President regarding terrorism and religious violence in Nigeria. He described the remarks as a reminder for the country to strengthen its internal mechanisms to safeguard lives and ensure justice for victims of violent attacks.

Elijah listed several states where, according to YOWICAN, communities have suffered violent attacks and displacement. He expressed concern over the impact on farmers, women, and children, calling for government intervention to support affected persons and restore peace in the affected areas.

The group also cited high-profile incidents such as the killing of Deborah Samuel in Sokoto and the continued captivity of Leah Sharibu, describing them as reminders of the need for stronger enforcement of justice and protection of religious freedom.

YOWICAN urged the Federal Government to take concrete action by bringing perpetrators of violence to justice and ensuring fair representation of Christians and other groups in governance.

The youth body further called for the review of security leadership and policies, insisting that all security agencies must be strengthened and depoliticized to restore public confidence.

While reaffirming its commitment to peace and national unity, YOWICAN emphasized that its position was not intended to incite division but to encourage dialogue, justice, and accountability.

 

“We speak not to divide the nation but to call it back to the path of truth, justice, and humanity,” Elijah said. “Our message is simple: Let there be justice, let there be peace, and let Nigeria rise again as a nation where faith is not a crime and human life is sacred.”

The youth organization expressed condolences to families affected by insecurity and urged leaders to remember that “power is transient, but posterity is eternal.”

The press briefing was attended by YOWICAN officials from Plateau, Nasarawa, Benue, and the North-East zone.