The Bishop of the Owo Diocese, Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), Rt. Rev. Stephen Fagbemi, has called on governments at all levels to take immediate action to alleviate the severe economic hardship and worsening insecurity facing Nigerians.
Bishop Fagbemi made the call while delivering his charge at the Second Session of the 15th Synod of the Diocese, held at St. Paul’s Church, Imoru, in the Ose Local Government Area of Ondo State.
Expressing concern over the high cost of living, the cleric noted that many families can no longer afford basic necessities, including healthcare. He warned that the prohibitive cost of medical treatment is driving citizens to dangerous alternatives.
“Many citizens now resort to traditional herbs and other unconventional treatments because hospital services are beyond their reach. This is a dangerous development that must be addressed,” Fagbemi said.
On security, the bishop described the rising wave of kidnappings and violent attacks as alarming, noting that Nigerian roads have become increasingly unsafe. He cited the recent abduction of school teachers and pupils in Oyo State, as well as the frequent targeting of traditional rulers and security personnel, as evidence of a deteriorating security architecture.
To arrest the drift, Fagbemi urged the federal government to declare a state of emergency on insecurity and adopt a more collaborative approach to policing.
“The Federal Government should declare a state of emergency on insecurity and adopt more proactive measures to combat criminality,” he said. “There should be wider consultations with security experts, local security outfits, hunters, and international partners, alongside the deployment of drones and helicopters to strengthen surveillance operations nationwide.”
Ahead of the 2027 general elections, the cleric cautioned Nigerians against making hasty, frustration-driven political decisions. Instead, he urged the public to pray for the success of President Bola Tinubu’s administration in navigating the country’s current economic and governance challenges.
