Easter Security Crisis: CAN Issues "Self-Defense" Directive Amid Rising Threats


-​By Ruben Mario Brodrick 

April 4, 2026

​As the Easter season draws near, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has issued a critical and urgent call for proactive measures, advising believers across the northern regions to organize and defend their communities. The directive comes at a time of heightened anxiety following a series of brutal attacks on Christian enclaves, specifically in Jos and Southern Kaduna, where lives were recently lost.

​Joseph Hayab, the Northern Chairman of CAN, stressed that while the spirit of the season is one of peace, the reality on the ground demands a shift in strategy. He noted that the perpetrators of these recurring attacks often rely on the element of surprise and the vulnerability of unorganized communities. By urging a more "coordinated approach to self-protection," Hayab made it clear that Christians must no longer remain passive victims to the cycle of violence.

​The leadership of the association did not mince words regarding the role of the state. They expressed profound dissatisfaction with the administration of President Bola Tinubu, characterizing the federal response to the ongoing security challenges as "inadequate." CAN leaders argue that the failure to effectively secure these regions has forced the hands of the people to look toward their own means of survival.

​Despite the gravity of the alert, CAN is not calling for a cancellation of festivities. Instead, the association encourages believers to celebrate the resurrection of Christ with joy, but to do so with "a high level of security consciousness." They are calling for church leaders and local heads to establish community-based alert systems and to remain in constant communication with one another to monitor for potential threats.

​At the same time, the association has sent a formal appeal to the nation’s security agencies. With massive crowds expected at churches and public venues during the Easter weekend, CAN is demanding an intensification of patrols and intelligence gathering to ensure that the celebrations are not marred by further tragedy.

​This alert serves as a somber reminder of the complex security landscape currently facing Nigeria. Between recent communal clashes and broader socio-economic tensions, the call from CAN highlights a growing sentiment that, in the absence of robust state protection, local vigilance and unity are the most vital tools for community safety.

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