PFN Calls for Urgent Action to Address Nigeria’s Escalating Insecurity
Kemi Olaitan from Ibadan reports that the Pentecostal Fraternity of Nigeria (PFN) has voiced serious concerns regarding the alarming rise in insecurity throughout the nation. The organization is urging the Federal Government to take immediate and decisive measures to safeguard lives and restore order.
The PFN underscored that it is the government’s constitutional and moral duty to protect every citizen, regardless of their ethnic or religious background. This foundational principle, they argue, is essential for fostering a nation where oppression is absent.
Bishop Francis Wale Oke, the PFN Chairman, expressed profound apprehension over the current state of violence in Nigeria, deeming the loss of human life in the country to have reached intolerable proportions. He called for the government to explore international assistance and collaboration to avert a further decline in security.
Addressing reporters in Ibadan, Oke highlighted that Nigeria is facing an unprecedented security crisis characterized by a disturbing lack of regard for human life. He noted that mass killings, kidnappings, and repeated assaults are not only indicative of security failures but also reveal a moral and governance crisis that warrants urgent national intervention.
He referred to several high-profile kidnappings and the protracted captivity of victims such as Leah Sharibu, a kidnapped Chibok schoolgirl, pointing out that their prolonged absence underscores a national tragedy and a painful truth about unresolved security challenges that erode public trust in government protection.
Recent incidents, including the abduction of teachers and students in Oyo State, illustrate the expanding reach of violence into areas once regarded as secure. Oke lamented the evident lack of political will to confront these security issues, warning that ongoing violence not only results in loss of life but also jeopardizes national cohesion and economic stability.
The escalating insecurity has fostered fear among citizens, disrupted agricultural operations in rural areas, deterred investment flows, and compelled many skilled professionals to seek safety beyond Nigeria’s borders. Oke cautioned against the “normalization of violence,” suggesting that continuous exposure to heinous acts could desensitize the populace and dilute collective indignation towards crime.
Furthermore, he criticized the rehabilitation of “repentant” militants without adequate safeguards, arguing that such initiatives could undermine public confidence in both the justice and security systems if managed improperly. He called for a comprehensive review of Nigeria’s security strategy, insisting that safeguarding lives and property remains the foremost constitutional obligation of every level of government.
The deteriorating security climate across various regions not only requires fervent prayers but also demands a coordinated and effective response from government authorities. Oke urged Christians nationwide to unite in prayer, reflection, and active civic engagement, emphasizing the need for a collective voice against the escalating insecurity.
