The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the 19 northern states and the federal capital territory (FCT) has asked President Muhammadu Buhari to take urgent steps to address the numerous challenges confronting the country.
In a statement on Monday, Jechonia Albert, public relations officer (PRO) of the association, said a food crisis is looming because farmers cannot go to their farms for fear of being kidnapped.
Albert said the challenges have thrown many residents into poverty.
“The rains are here, but farmers cannot go to the farms for fear of being killed or abducted by bandits,” the PRO said.
“The implication of this, is that a looming food crisis stares us in the face, and unless steps are taken to provide a secure environment for farmers to return to the farms, we may be in for more trouble with a hungry and frustrated population.
“Without mincing words, northern CAN wishes to state that the current state of the nation has plunged the vast majority of the people into hunger, poverty, frustration and despondency.
“Amid increasing insecurity, bad economy and undemocratic tendencies among the leaders, is there anything really worth celebrating? Certainly none! We are particularly concerned about the security situation which appeared to have overwhelmed the government.
“The security situation in the country today has worsened with bandits, kidnappers and Boko Haram insurgents unleashing mayhem on Nigerians, killing innocent people and sacking communities.
“Thousands of Nigerians, especially, in rural communities have been rendered homeless by bandits. On a daily basis across the country, communities are being raided and people are being killed or abducted by rampaging bandits and other criminal elements.
“The security situation has crippled the economy as travelling on the highways across the country has become a nightmare to Nigerians.”
Albert asked President Muhammadu Buhari to “match his words with action” in addressing the problems confronting the country.
