The Ikeja Chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Lagos State has described the challenges confronting the country as “foundational”, arguing that some of Nigeria’s current difficulties can be traced to problems inherited from the colonial era.

The association made the observation during a prayer session organised for the country in Lagos on Friday, where Christian leaders called for spiritual intervention and a rebuilding of what they described as Nigeria’s damaged foundation.

The CAN Coordinator for the Ikeja Chapter, Evangelist Rotimi Ajayi, said the country was facing problems that had existed for decades, including those created during the period of British colonial rule.

Ajayi said prayer was necessary alongside efforts to address the country’s challenges, expressing optimism that Nigeria could experience progress if its foundation was restored.

Quoting Psalm 11:3, he recalled that Nigeria had once been regarded as being on a similar development path with countries such as Malaysia, but had since fallen behind.

He said, “Once a house is built on sand, when erosion comes, that house is bound to fall.

That is why we are organising this prayer session—so that the foundation can be restored and rebuilt. I believe we will see progress after this session.”

The CAN coordinator stressed that the prayer session was aimed at seeking divine intervention in the affairs of the nation and encouraging a restoration of the values and structures needed for national development.

Also speaking during the programme, the ministering pastor, Bishop Bola Oyegbami, said policies and theories alone would not be sufficient to resolve Nigeria’s problems unless the underlying issues affecting the country were addressed.

Oyegbami argued that repairing the nation’s foundation would help create the conditions for other efforts to succeed, adding that the country needed divine direction.

She said things would naturally fall into place if God was involved in the process of rebuilding the nation.

Oyegbami also linked some of Nigeria’s challenges to what she described as an excessive pursuit of wealth and material gain.

“In Nigeria, we have a lot of problems. These problems started with the spirit of mammon.

Everything is all about money everywhere you go. So, it is the foundation we are dealing with,” she said.

The Christian leaders urged Nigerians to continue praying for the country while also addressing the deeper issues they believe have contributed to its current social, economic and institutional challenges.

The prayer session formed part of efforts by the Ikeja CAN chapter to seek spiritual intervention for Nigeria and encourage hope for national renewal.

Niger State Governor, Umar Bago, has imposed a 24-hour curfew across the state following protests and destruction of property linked to the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners who were in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps.

Bago announced the curfew on Friday during a press conference, saying it would take effect immediately after the Friday congregational prayers.

The governor said the measure became necessary after protesters allegedly vandalised government property, a bank, political party offices and private businesses amid growing anger over the deaths.

“Immediately after the Friday mosque, we are putting a 24-hour curfew here,” Bago said.

He listed some of the properties affected by the unrest, saying the State Transport Company had its buses vandalised, while Sterling Bank, political party offices and private businesses were also attacked.

“The State Transport Company, all the buses we have there have been vandalised. Sterling Bank, hit. Party offices destroyed, people’s businesses destroyed,” he added.

According to Bago, the situation had deteriorated to the point where vandals were taking over the streets, prompting the government to impose restrictions in order to prevent further destruction and restore calm.

“Vandals are taking over the street, and there’s need for us to, you know, curtail this thing so that we can have calm in the society,” he said.

The governor appealed to residents across the state to remain calm, exercise restraint and allow the authorities to address the situation.

“So, we call on Nigerlites, please, to exercise restraint and be patient,” Bago said.

The curfew followed protests in parts of Niger State after the deaths of suspected illegal miners detained by the NSCDC.

Bago had earlier confirmed that 37 suspected illegal miners died while in NSCDC custody.

Authorities have commenced forensic examinations, medical examinations and autopsies as part of efforts to establish the circumstances and cause of the deaths.

The suspects were arrested during enforcement operations against illegal mining activities in the Wushishi/Lukoto axis of Niger State on September 15 and 16.

Following the deaths, the NSCDC constituted an investigative team to examine the circumstances surrounding the incident.

The investigation is expected to consider the condition of the suspects when they were arrested, their period in custody, conditions of detention and the medical attention provided to them.

The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, also suspended the Niger State NSCDC Commandant, Suberu Siyaka Aniviye, and ordered a full investigation into the incident.

The Federal Government, through the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, said no individual found culpable would be shielded from accountability.

However, the government also cautioned against prejudging the investigation before its findings are established.

Former Vice President and 2027 presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress, Atiku Abubakar, has equally demanded accountability over the deaths.

Atiku said anyone found responsible through “action, abuse or negligence” should be held fully accountable.

As of Friday, the cause of the deaths had not been established, with investigations and medical examinations ongoing.

The 24-hour curfew is expected to remain in force as authorities work to restore order and prevent further destruction of lives and property across Niger State.

The Nigeria Police Force has presented insurance benefit cheques totalling ₦9.797 million to the families and beneficiaries of police officers who died in the line of duty in Ekiti State.

The cheques were presented by the Commissioner of Police in the state, Michael Falade, on behalf of the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, in Ado Ekiti on Tuesday.

According to a statement made available in Ado Ekiti on Wednesday, Falade said the payment demonstrated the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to the welfare of its personnel and the families they leave behind.

The commissioner described the insurance benefits as a practical expression of the Force’s appreciation for the sacrifices made by officers who lost their lives while serving the country.

He acknowledged that no financial compensation could replace a deceased family member, but said the payment would provide meaningful support to the families as they cope with the loss of their loved ones.

“While no amount of money can replace a loved one, this benefit provides meaningful support to the families left behind.

“The Nigeria Police Force remembers its own and will not abandon the families of officers who paid the supreme price,” Falade said.

He urged the beneficiaries to manage the funds prudently, particularly by using them to support the education and welfare of the children of the deceased officers.

Falade also commended the Inspector-General of Police, the Force Management Team, insurance stakeholders and the Force Insurance Unit for their efforts in processing and settling the legitimate claims.

He said the development should also reassure serving police personnel that the welfare of officers and their families remained a priority of the Force.

The commissioner expressed condolences to the families of the deceased officers and prayed for strength for them as they continue to cope with their loss.

He also prayed for the eternal rest of the souls of the fallen officers who died in the line of duty.

Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Mathew Emmanuel expressed appreciation to the Inspector-General of Police and the Nigeria Police Force for the financial support and continued assistance to families of deceased officers.

Emmanuel assured the Force that the beneficiaries would use the funds judiciously for the welfare and benefit of the affected families.

The payment forms part of the Nigeria Police Force’s efforts to settle legitimate insurance claims and provide financial support to families of personnel who lose their lives in the course of their duties.