Those backing killer herdsmen risk God’s wrath —Bishop Akinlalu

Bishop of the Diocese of Oke-Osun, Gbongan, Osun State, of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), Right Reverend Dr Abraham Akinlalu, has urged the Federal Government to take decisive actions to address herdsmen attacks across the country.

He stated this in an interaction with newsmen as part of activities to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the diocese scheduled for January 25, 2018.

He said: “The country is sitting on gun-powder. The mess that is happening in Nigeria now cannot happen abroad. How do you allow herdsmen take over the country, destroy food and cash crops? This can cause a big problem because the silence of the presidency seems to be saying ‘let them do whatever they like.’ This has political undertones, and if care is not taken, nobody will escape the wrath of God. How can thousands of people be dying because you want somewhere to keep your herds? God is not happy with acts like this. The Federal Government should be warned. They are human beings. Even if they buy bullet proof vests, God knows how to deal with them if they don’t take care and allow commoners enjoy their lives.”

Sharing his message on the church’s 25th anniversary, he appreciated the efforts of the bishops before him, stating thus: “I appreciate their efforts, especially the founding father, Bishop Abraham Awosan, who did a lot of church planting and started the diocese with only N700. Bishop Nathaniel Fasogbon also did a lot, especially through the help of Christ Inner Circle, a society in the church, funded by the chairman of this sub-committee, High Chief Adewuyi Adetunji, and the Progressive Christian League, who have also been of great help to me. I am indeed grateful to them and the Lord will bless them with longevity.

“There have been challenges, as the diocese is situated in an agrarian society, with more food crops. The only cash crop is cocoa or rubber, which few people inherited from their grandparents. They are not even interested in increasing output in this regard, as they search for greener pastures outside the town. However, with God we are managing. My message to the church on the occasion of this anniversary is to hold on to God Who is able. When we hold unto Him, all will be well. I rejoice with members of the diocese, thank them for their support, and call on them not to relent in their efforts.”

Dean of the Cathedral of St. Paul, Venerable P.O. Farotimi, in his remarks, urged the people to “hold on to our faith and be prayerful. We thank God we are progressing especially since our bishop came here. We have eyes on the future that all will be well.”

In his recommendations on addressing the issue of herdsmen attacks, he stated that “This thing did not start today; it has been there all along. Why is it that we have horrendous crimes in the name of rearing cattle? Our leaders should be up and doing. The buck stops on their table. I think it is more of a political than social menace.”

Chairman of the anniversary committee, High Chief Adewuyi Adetunji, in his message, on the occasion, acknowledged the challenges including finance, and urged those who had been contributing in no small measure to funding church activities, not to relent in their efforts.

Speaking on the fuel scarcity in the country, he also lamented the situation and called for urgent address of the situation to prevent future occurrence.

Secretary of the anniversary planning committee, Chief ‘Biodun Olapade, a staff of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) between 1967 and 1973, condemned the circulation of dirty notes in the economy, and also spoke on the challenges of the diocese.

“I am an insider and I know what the clergy is going through. The Cathedral and the Bishop have no official cars. I have suggested that we have 12 disciples – 12 people who would be able to bail the diocese out of her financial predicament, especially the N12 million pension debt of retired clerics. However, I have not seen the willingness and the faithfulness of members, also in the area of paying tithes. All these would have helped to move the diocese forward.”

He, however, appreciated the efforts of those who had been supporting the diocese in the ways they could.

In his advice for youths, and the disillusionment with the country’s economy, he said: “Nigeria is not the only poor country in the world. I had my Masters in Housing and that made me travel wide. In some countries, people survive on the intestine of chickens. Some live in huts, with natural disasters, yet they are there. In India, their professors ride bicycles. But here, we are over spoilt; we can’t think on our own. If I am a youth in this situation, I will engage in something beneficial and legal. You can do animal husbandry; you can do crop farming, and you will survive. It is not the fault of youths but their parents. Parents are not ready to train their children as they (parents) were trained in the olden days.”

“Do not study a subject in the university but a profession, so that if you don’t get a white collar job, you will be able to engage yourself. They should learn trades, instead of riding motorcycles. Nigerian youths are not serious and until we get it right, I’m afraid.”