The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) chairman for the 19 Northern states and the Federal Capital Territory, Rev. John Hayab, has urged caution against celebrating recent security improvements, warning that ongoing abductions indicate Nigeria is far from achieving real peace.
Hayab spoke in an interview at his residence in Kaduna on Saturday, shortly after receiving an Award of Excellence from the Northern Christian Youth Professionals.
He said any recognition or award should act as a reminder to intensify efforts to end kidnapping, rather than as a reason for celebration.
“There is nothing to dance about while innocent citizens are still in captivity and criminal elements continue to operate freely from the bush,” the cleric said, stressing that Nigerians should pray that such awards translate into tangible security outcomes and motivate offenders to surrender.
While acknowledging that some regions have experienced relative calm, Hayab warned that these gains are fragile and partial.
He urged the government to treat recent attacks as a wake-up call and to ensure that security improvements are sustained nationwide.
“We have started showing that these challenges can be overcome. What we are seeing now is a test of our commitment.
”We must prove to the world that we are serious about peace,” he said.
Hayab also assured that Christian communities will maintain their commitment to peace, even amid threats and intimidation.
On safety amid insecurity, he urged believers to combine faith with wisdom, emphasizing that spiritual confidence should not replace personal responsibility.
“Insecurity is a global challenge. No society is completely immune, including developed countries. Wisdom is profitable to direct.
”We must apply it to protect ourselves, our families, and our communities,” he said, cautioning against what he termed blind faith, which he described as irresponsibility.
The CAN chairman reiterated that divine protection does not replace vigilance, underscoring the need for Nigerians to actively safeguard their lives while praying for lasting peace.
