Christian Association of Nigeria Issues Urgent Directive for Northern Communities to Adopt Proactive Self Defense Measures Amid Rising Easter Security Threats

Northern CAN Chairman Joseph Hayab calls for community defense amid rising insecurity. Discover the latest updates on Easter 2026 security measures in Nigeria.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 4, 2026, 4:11 AM EDT

Source: The information in this article was sourced from Politics Nigeria

A Shift Toward Community Self Preservation in Northern Nigeria

The Northern chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria has issued a direct appeal to its members across nineteen states and the Federal Capital Territory to take responsibility for their own safety. This shift in rhetoric comes in response to what the group describes as a systematic pattern of violence targeting religious gatherings during significant holidays. CAN Chairman Joseph Hayab articulated that while the attackers have historically held a tactical advantage, the community must now organize to reverse this dynamic. The directive marks a significant departure from previous calls for patience, suggesting that the limit of passive endurance has been reached by the regional leadership.

The Historical Cycle of Holiday Targeted Terrorist Activities

According to Hayab, Christian communities in the North have faced persistent torment during every Easter and Christmas cycle since 2009. These coordinated efforts by insurgent groups are viewed as a deliberate attempt to deny citizens the joy of religious celebration through the threat of imminent violence. The leadership argued that remaining in hiding is no longer a viable strategy for survival, as it only emboldens those who seek to disrupt social and religious life. By speaking out ahead of the 2026 Easter celebrations, the association aims to break a seventeen year cycle of intimidation that has redefined the holiday experience for millions of Nigerians.

Critique of State Inaction and the Demand for Protective Reforms

The association has explicitly called upon the administration of President Bola Tinubu to address what it perceives as a period of negligence and inaction regarding rural security. Recent escalations in Jos, which resulted in the deaths of at least 28 individuals, alongside ongoing communal violence in Southern Kaduna, have fueled accusations of government failure. Church leaders are increasingly vocal about the need for security agencies to move beyond reactive measures and provide actual protection for large public gatherings. This pressure from the religious sector places a renewed focus on the federal government’s ability to stabilize volatile regions during high stakes national events.