CHRISTIAN leaders in Ondo State on Wednesday, urged political leaders to stop politicising security issues and take decisive steps to address growing concerns over the menace.
The religious leaders stated this during the turning of the sod for the Ondo State chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria Ecumenical Centre and Building in Akure, facilitated by the Minister of Interior, Honorable Bunmi Tunji- Ojo.
The Founder of Agape Christian Ministries, Pastor Felix Adejumo, raised the alarm over the growing insecurity, describing the situation as a major challenge requiring urgent attention
Adejumo, who noted that many Nigerians now were live in fear due to persistent killings and attacks in several parts of the nation, warned the leaders against treating security issues as political matters.
The clergy insisted that those in authority must take urgent and decisive steps to protect lives and property, stressing that the continued bloodshed demands sincere and coordinated action from the government at all levels.
“The blood being shed in this nation is crying daily and they need to look at that and bring an end to the carnage we are seeing,” Adejumo said.
Also speaking on the security situation the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Ondo, Jude Arogundade, condemned the alleged importation of bandits and terrorists into Nigeria, describing it as an act of treason.
Arogundade said individuals who facilitate the entry of armed fighters from outside the country to attack Nigerian citizens should be held accountable for their actions.
According to the cleric, bringing foreign fighters into Nigeria to kill, terrorise and displace communities amounts to a direct assault on the nation’s territorial integrity and should not be treated lightly.
Arogundade alleged that some influential figures in the past openly boasted about bringing armed elements into the country, insisting that such actions would attract severe punishment in any civilised society.
He expressed concern that despite widespread allegations surrounding the activities of criminal groups, many of those responsible had yet to be brought to justice, stressing that Nigerians deserve answers regarding the sources and sponsors of insecurity.
While urging security agencies to intensify efforts to tackle banditry and terrorism, Arogundade said religious leaders would continue to play their role through prayers, public engagement and mobilisation of communities in support of peace and security.
He, however, appealed to residents not to panic, noting that consultations and security meetings were ongoing among stakeholders to safeguard lives and property.
“We are not sleeping. There are meetings and consultations going on every day. We must remain calm and continue to support efforts aimed at securing our communities and our country,” he said.
The Chairman of the Ondo State chapter of CAN, Anselm Ologunwa, commended the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, for sponsoring the acquisition of land and supporting the construction of the Ondo State Ecumenical Centre in Akure.
Ologunwa said Tunji-Ojo purchased the 14-plot site for the centre after learning that CAN lack a permanent conf
erence facility in the state.
