Anglican Bishop laments spate of killings, kidnapping in Nigeria

THE Bishop of Diocese of Ilesa, Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, The Rt Reverend Dr Olubayo Sowale, has lamented the rate at which Nigerians are being killed by the Boko Haram insurgents and how the herdsmen are killing and abducting people for ransom.

The cleric, while reading the Bishop’s Charge during the 3rd session of the 15th Synod of the Diocese of Ilesa, which held at Cathedral of St. John, Iloro, Ilesa, posited that the issue of security of life and property which is the primary responsibility of the government must be adequately addressed.

He said: “Our president is the Chief Security Officer of our country. It is very unfortunate that we had a sad 5th anniversary of the abduction of Chibok girls without the return of many of the girls to their parents. The case of Leah Sharibu has also not been given the necessary attention.

“The Boko Haram is still killing our people. The Fulani herdsmen are still killing and abducting many people, kidnappers are having field days. Our country border is porous. We, therefore, appeal to Mr President to use all resources at his disposal to see to the security of life and property in all geopolitical zones of our country,” he concluded.

ALSO READ: Electricity consumers to get prepaid meters 10 days after payment ― NERC

Speaking on the state of the nation’s economy, the Bishop stated that the economy of the country has moved from recession to depression. This he said has taken its turns on the day-to-day running of the government and many people are dying.

“The downturn of the economy has gone to the extent that many retirees for years had not received their gratuities and pensions. Many people are dying due to lack of funds to maintain their health.

“We appeal to the Federal Government and state governments to pay retirees their gratuities and pensions. We call on the Federal and state governments to encourage people of Nigeria to return to the land for survival. We advice our governments to shift from depending on crude oil to agriculture and other natural mineral resources in our country.”

He, however, called on youths in the country to engage in farming, animal husbandry, fishery, snail farming, poultry, small scale industry, soap making etc.