Susan Abayomi
Christian leaders, including prominent bishops and members of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), have renewed calls for urgent action to address insecurity and end the loss of lives across Nigeria.
The call comes amid growing concerns over killings, kidnappings and other violent attacks in different parts of the country, with religious leaders urging the government and security agencies to intensify efforts to protect citizens.
At a recent national discussion on the state of the country and preparations for the 2027 general elections, former PFN President, Bishop Mike Okonkwo, and former Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) President, Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor, warned political actors against actions that could trigger violence.
Oritsejafor urged politicians to place the interests of Nigerians above personal ambitions, stressing that elections should be about providing effective leadership and improving the lives of citizens.
He also called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure that votes are properly counted and electoral processes remain credible, noting that confidence in the electoral system is essential to democratic participation.
Speaking on the security situation, Bishop Okonkwo said Nigerians could not afford to remain silent while communities continued to experience violence.
Other Christian leaders at the gathering also expressed concern about insecurity, particularly attacks in parts of Northern Nigeria. They called for stronger security measures, better protection of vulnerable communities and accountability for those responsible for violent attacks.
The PFN has similarly maintained its call for stronger action against insecurity. In May, the Oyo State chapter of the organisation held a peace rally in Ibadan, where religious leaders called for an end to killings and insecurity and prayed for the safe return of abducted victims. Placards at the event carried messages including “Let Nigerians Live,” “We Deserve Peace,” “Stop the Killings” and “End Bloodshed in Nigeria.”
The latest calls from Christian leaders reflect wider concerns over the impact of insecurity on communities, economic activity and national development.
They urged the Federal Government, state governments and security agencies to work together to improve intelligence gathering, protect citizens and ensure that perpetrators of violence are brought to justice.
The religious leaders also called on Nigerians to reject hatred, retaliation and actions capable of worsening tensions, stressing the importance of dialogue, peaceful coexistence and respect for human life.
As Nigeria approaches the 2027 elections, the clerics further appealed to political leaders to avoid inflammatory rhetoric and ensure that political competition does not become a trigger for violence.
They maintained that Nigerians deserve a country where lives and property are protected and where citizens can participate freely in democratic activities without fear.
The message from the Christian leaders was clear: the loss of innocent lives must not become normalised, and all stakeholders must work together to restore lasting peace and security across the country.
