The Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the 19 northern states and the FCT, Rev. John Joseph Hayab, says Nigeria has the resources to curb its worsening insecurity but is failing because “a large chunk of our security personnel are deployed to guard VIPs and banks instead of protecting communities.”
Speaking in an interview with ARISE News on Tuesday, Hayab said the abduction of schoolchildren across Kebbi, Kwara and Niger States within days had left families traumatised and exposed longstanding failures in Nigeria’s security structure.
“Everybody is worried, everybody is angry, everybody needs a stop,”he said, welcoming the release of 24 abducted schoolgirls in Kebbi.
“It has been a traumatic week for parents, for leaders and for our security men.”
He revealed that one of the parents of abducted children in Niger State, identified as Mr Anthony, died from a heart attack due to the shock of losing three children.
“People don’t understand this. These children have not slept, they have not bathed, and their parents cannot even explain where they are,” he said.
Hayab said reports from locals in Niger State showed there was no visible security presence, insisting Nigerians want action, not statements.
“The onus is now on the Nigerian security agencies to ensure that we don’t speak about this on television. People want to see concrete action,”he stressed.
He said 50 senior students returned on their own after fleeing into the bush when the bandits attacked, but over 265 students remain unaccounted for, most aged between nine and fourteen.
Despite the scale of insecurity, Hayab maintained that Nigeria has the manpower to defeat terrorists—if resources are properly allocated.
“A large chunk of those who are supposed to secure Nigerians are securing VIPs. Many police officers are guarding banks. Banks should recruit their own security, but they are taking advantage of what is going on,” he said.
“When proper deployment is done, we will be able to get rid of these things. We have what it takes, but we are not deploying it
Responding to the growing debate about US assistance following recent high-level security talks between Abuja and Washington, Hayab said external support should not be seen as an admission of failure.
“A support from outside Nigeria does not show that we cannot perform. It enhances the process,”he argued.
“Nobody in his right senses will refuse help in situations like this. We simply want support so that we can have a better security strategy.”
Hayab also clarified comments by US President Donald Trump, saying they were often misrepresented.
“Trump never said he was coming to bomb Nigeria. He said: ‘Get rid of the bandits and terrorists or else my men can come and get rid of them.’ If someone realises terrorists are tormenting us, let’s get rid of them so all of us can live in peace.”
Hayab rejected claims by presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga that CAN and St Mary’s School refused to provide the names of missing students to security agencies.
“What he said is a distortion of what happened,” Hayab insisted.
“The government needs us and we need the government. But when people make such allegations, they further create confusion and make people find it difficult to trust.”
He said the Catholic Diocese of Kontagora, which owns the school, had fully cooperated with authorities.
“Every minute I was speaking with the bishop and CAN leadership in Niger State. They had series of meetings with security agencies. So who is reporting what to him in Abuja?”
Hayab urged government officials to build public trust.
“Security is everybody’s business. But when we make allegations that are not true, we weaken the desire of people to help with information.”
Boluwatife Enome
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