By Adekunle Oluwafunmilayo
The Anglican Bishop of Owo Diocese, Stephen Ayodeji A. Fagbemi, has expressed deep concern over Nigeria’s worsening security situation, describing the current level of insecurity as frightening and urging authorities to take urgent steps to protect citizens.
Fagbemi made the remarks on Monday while speaking on Frontline, a public affairs programme on Eagle 102.5 FM in Ilese-Ijebu, Ogun State.
During the interview, he lamented the growing incidents of terrorism, banditry and kidnappings across the country, noting that fear has increasingly become a part of everyday life for many Nigerians.
According to him, security challenges that were once occasional concerns have now become a dominant issue shaping how people live, travel and gather.
“The security situation has reached a level that is frightening for all Nigerians,” he said, adding that many attacks and abductions occurring in communities often go unreported.
Fagbemi noted that while the public usually hears about major incidents that gain national attention, numerous victims suffer in silence when cases fail to make the headlines.
“There are several cases people hardly hear about—families that have experienced kidnappings, attacks and killings. It is a troubling reality in many communities,” he said
He explained that the persistent insecurity has begun to affect church activities, with some congregations forced to suspend programmes or take extra precautions to ensure the safety of worshippers.
The bishop also recalled the devastating attack on St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church Owo in Owo, Ondo State, which occurred during a Pentecost Sunday service in June 2022.
He said he was only a short distance away from the church when the incident happened and initially struggled to understand what was unfolding.
“It was Pentecost Sunday and I was about 400 metres away when people suddenly began to run. There was panic everywhere. Later we learned that innocent worshippers had been killed. It was shocking and deeply painful,” he recounted.
The attack left at least 40 people dead and more than 80 others injured after gunmen reportedly opened fire and detonated explosives during the service.
Security authorities later linked the assault to members of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), a development that raised concerns about the spread of insurgent violence beyond northern Nigeria.
Fagbemi also criticised delays in the prosecution of suspects connected to the attack, noting that more than three years after the incident, the victims’ families are still waiting for justice.
“Justice delayed is justice denied. The families are still traumatized, and the judicial process must move faster to restore confidence,” he said.
He warned that prolonged delays in bringing perpetrators to justice could embolden criminal groups and encourage further attacks.
The bishop further pointed out that several communities continue to experience abductions and violent attacks that rarely receive media coverage.
According to him, the cumulative effect of these incidents has created an atmosphere of fear that affects economic activities, education and religious gatherings.
“When communities are not secure, businesses suffer, schools close and social life is disrupted,” he said.
Fagbemi also highlighted the financial pressure placed on churches to provide security during services, explaining that some congregations now contribute funds for the logistics of security personnel.
“Many churches struggle to meet basic needs through weekly offerings, yet they are expected to cover expenses such as fuel for security officers,” he said.
He stressed that safeguarding lives and property is primarily the responsibility of government.
“Security is a constitutional duty of the state, not something citizens should have to purchase for themselves,” he added.
To address the country’s security challenges, the bishop called for stronger collaboration among federal, state and local authorities as well as the adoption of new security strategies.
He suggested the establishment of state policing structures and better support for community-based security initiatives.
“If states had their own police forces, response times could be quicker and officers would be more accountable to the communities they serve,” he said.
He also advocated greater investment in modern security technology such as surveillance systems, drones and helicopters to strengthen intelligence gathering and rapid response operations.
Fagbemi concluded by urging government at all levels to treat security as a top priority.
“Security is the foundation for peace and development. Without it, the economy, education and social stability will continue to suffer,” he said.
“Our communities deserve to live in peace, and our children deserve a safe future.”
