Security agencies are polarised, says CAN

The National President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Ayo Oritsejafor, has said that Nigeria’s security agencies have been infiltrated and must be blamed for the current state of insecurity.

“All our security agencies have been polarised along religion. There are people within the security agencies that are promoting their religion instead of protecting Nigeria,” he said while speaking to journalists in Warri about the Christmas Day bombings which have claimed at least 29 lives in three states of the country.

Mr. Oritsejafor on Monday condemned the terrorist attacks for which Boko Haram, a radical islamist group, has claimed responsibility.

“I condemn it with all the anger in me. I believe that if man does not catch up with them, God will catch up with them and their sponsors,” the CAN president said.

Mr. Oritsejafor expressed fears that religious beliefs would continue to contribute to the worsening security situation in the country.

“There are also many who will not give out information because they feel they are protecting their religion. That is also a serious problem.

“Many members of the public are also afraid to give out information. The government must show that it can protect lives,” he said, adding that there is an urgent need for government to upgrade the security equipment with sophisticated weapons that could match or surpass the ones in the custody of criminals.

He, however, said that no matter the level of security equipment in the country, there is a need for dedicated and efficient security agents to be able to combat crime.

Mr. Oritsejafor commiserated with the bereaved and urged them to continue to keep the Christian faith and not to give up.