Insecurity pushing Nigerians into hunger, frustration, despondency, says CAN

*The Christian Association of Nigeria has stated the implication of farmers not going to the farm is a looming food crisis that may compound the challenges Nigeria is currently facing

Emmanuel Akosile | ConsumerConnect

Alerting the citizenry to an impending food crisis resulting from the activities of bandits, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the 19 Northern states and Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has stressed the current situation in the country has plunged majority of consumers into hunger, poverty, frustration and despondency.

The Association in a statement by Rev. Jechonia Albert, Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the body titled, “Democracy Day, Insecurity And The Looming Food Crisis” Monday, June 14, 2021, in Kaduna, said there was nothing to celebrate on June 12 declared by the current administration as Democracy Day.

President Muhammadu Buhari

CAN stated that amid the increasing insecurity, bad economy and undemocratic tendencies among the leaders, there is nothing worth celebrating on the day.

The Christian body lamented the increasing insecurity in Nigeria has prevented farmers in many rural communities, mostly in the North from going to the farm.

The implication of farmers not going to the farm is a looming food crisis that may compound the challenges being faced by Nigerians.

The Association also said: “The rains are here, but farmers cannot go to the farms for fear of being killed or abducted by bandits.

“The implication of this is that a looming food crisis stares us in the face and unless steps are taken to provide a secured environment for farmers to return to the farms.

“We may be in for more trouble with a hungry and frustrated population.”

The statement noted that June 12 was marked with mixed feelings, noting that in places like Lagos, Abuja and some Southern states, Nigerians trooped to the streets to protest against the unfortunate state of affairs in the country.

“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.

Rev. Albert stated: “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”

He said: “On a daily basis across the country, communities are being raided, 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.”

Italso condemned the persistent attacks and abduction of children in schools, especially in Kaduna, Katsina, Zamfara and Niger States of the country.