Insecurity: CAN Cancels Carol Service In Kwara

By Akinwale Kasali

As the spate of banditry and kidnapping remains unabated in Kwara State and its environs, the leadership of the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, has announced the cancelation of this year’s Christmas Carol in the State.

The reason for the cancelation is to solidarize with Christian Families grieving loved ones killed in various attacks in the State.

Rev. Sunday Timothy Adewole, Chairman, CAN, Kwara State said that CAN cannot celebrate its annual Carol because communities are still mourning the recent attacks in Oke Ode, Eruku, Oreke, Babanla, Isapa and other Communities in the State where Christian Families are still grieving the killings and kidnap of their loved ones.

Adewole clarified that it does not stop Churches from going on with their Christmas Carols at their various worship centres, but as for CAN as a body, it has canceled the Carol Ceremony it usually host annually.

“As a body, we State that this Year’s Carol is canceled, this is a way of solidarizing, mourning and sharing in the pain of Families who have lost their loved ones. We are not legislating that Carol shouldn’t be held in various Churches in the State, but as the Primary body, we are saying we are not holding ours this Year”.

Echoing the concerns of Adewole, CAN’s Executive Secretary in the State, Sp.Apos. Shina Ibiyemi as urged Christians and Churches to heightened their level of security alertness as we enter the yuletide season.

He warned that intelligence reports has shown that Worship Centres could be a major target for this mischief makers and Bandits, urging Christians alike to be more vigilant.

“The current insecurity state of the nation calls for vigilance. This is why CAN is advising everyone to be more vigilant, watchful and be highly security sensitive.

“Intelligence reports have made us to know that this evil doers will be looking for soft targets to attack during this festive season, so there is need for us all to be extra vigilant”, Ibiyemi stated.

He further advised Churches to strengthen their security protocols, Cooperate with Local Authorities and also encourage Worshippers to report suspicious movements.