Christian leaders in Ondo State have called on the government and political actors to stop politicising insecurity in the country.
They warned that the lives of the citizens must not be reduced to political rhetoric while fear continues to spread in communities.
The call was made during the turning of the sod for the Ondo State Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Ecumenical and Secretariat Building held at Ibule Soro in Ifedore local government area.
The event, which brought together top Christian clerics and church leaders, also served as a platform for renewed emphasis on unity among Christian denominations and collective response to national challenges.
At the ceremony, the founder and general overseer of Agape Christian Ministries, Bishop Felix Adejumo, said political leaders must take responsibility and stop treating insecurity with denial or political convenience.
He urged leaders at all levels to take responsibility and ensure that the bloodshed in parts of the country is brought to an end, insisting that Nigerians deserve protection and accountability from those in authority.
“Our leaders, politicians, should not play politics with the security of lives and property in Nigeria. They should not pretend that they do not know what is going on or turn the other side of their eyes and pretend as if they don’t know.
”The blood that they shed in this nation is crying daily and they need to look at that and bring an end to this carnage that we are seeing,” he said.
Also speaking, the Catholic Bishop of Ondo State, Bishop Jude Arogundade, expressed concern over the rising insecurity in the country, saying many citizens are living in fear and uncertainty over developments in various parts of Nigeria.
He, however, urged residents not to panic, insisting that security agencies are actively working to maintain order and respond to threats.
According to him, law enforcement agencies including the police, DSS and local security outfits remain on top of the situation, and citizens must remain vigilant while continuing their normal activities.
The Catholic Bishop however urged the government to go beyond statements and ensure that those behind insecurity are held accountable.
”We are going to hold the government accountable. If it is unable to hold individuals who are making life difficult for citizens in this country accountable, then we will also know what to do. We will ensure that our leaders are held accountable,” Arogundade said.
In his remark, the Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Ondo State, Rev. Fr. Anselm Ologunwa, also reaffirmed the commitment of the church to unity through the Ecumenical Centre project.
