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A prominent Christian cleric in Ondo State has expressed deep concern over the worsening security situation across Nigeria, arguing that governments at all levels are falling short of their constitutional responsibility to safeguard the lives and property of citizens. The cleric made the remarks while reacting to the recent wave of kidnappings and violent attacks in parts of Ondo and neighbouring states, warning that many communities are now living in constant fear.
Speaking during a church gathering in Akure, the state capital, the religious leader lamented that criminal groups have become increasingly bold, carrying out attacks on highways, farms, and rural communities with little resistance. He noted that the recent abduction of a pastor’s nine-year-old son in Ose Local Government Area and other similar incidents have heightened anxiety among residents, adding that many people now avoid travelling or engaging in farming activities due to fear of being kidnapped. According to him, the persistent insecurity threatens not only lives but also the economic wellbeing of affected communities.
The cleric called on both the Federal Government and state authorities to adopt more proactive security measures, including improved intelligence gathering, stronger collaboration with local vigilante groups, and the deployment of additional security personnel to vulnerable areas. He also urged political leaders to place the safety of citizens above partisan interests, stressing that effective governance cannot exist where people constantly fear for their lives. Community leaders and civil society groups have echoed similar concerns in recent months, calling for greater investment in rural security infrastructure and faster responses to distress calls.
The comments come amid a broader national debate over insecurity, with kidnapping, banditry, and terrorist attacks continuing to challenge security agencies across several parts of the country. Recent incidents in Oyo, Borno, Katsina, and Ondo states have intensified calls for comprehensive security reforms, including the creation of state police and expanded community-based policing initiatives. Analysts believe that sustained cooperation between government, security agencies, traditional institutions, and religious organisations will be essential to addressing the root causes of the crisis and restoring public confidence in the nation’s security architecture.
