Christian Leaders: Nigeria bleeding, drifting to dangerous point

Prominent Christian leaders have raised alarm over worsening insecurity, hunger, and economic hardship in Nigeria, warning that the country is “bleeding” and drifting towards a dangerous point.

These concerns were raised on Monday at a pre-Easter media parley organised by the Cross Campaign in Ikeja, Lagos.

Religious leaders assessed the state of the nation at the event, calling for urgent reforms.

The event was convened by Rev. Yomi Kasali, Founder and Senior Pastor of the Foundation of Truth Assembly, and Apostle Lawrence Achudume, Founder and General Overseer of Victory Life Bible Church (VLBC).

Addressing the issue of insecurity, Prophet Isa El-Buba, Founder of Evangelical Bible Outreach Ministries, said the situation had deteriorated significantly, describing the country as being at a critical point.

El-Buba said: “Nigeria today is at a dangerous crossroad.

“Our nation is really really bleeding. 

“Just in the last less than 24 hours, there was a terrorist threat that came few weeks ago and they said that after the Sallah the Christians on the plateau should prepare for a massive genocide.

“They said it and they were able to carry out what they said. 

“Yesterday, we lost over 20 people that were killed on the Plateau.”

El-Buba rejected the narrative of communal clashes, insisting the violence was organised.

He said: “Now, this is not a herders and farmers clash.

“This is a deliberate act of terrorism and the places where these people advance their cause is known.

“They have sworn that they will have to continue with their plan, which was established by Usman Dan Fodio. 

“They are on with it.”

El-Buba also alleged gaps in response by security agencies and called for decisive action.

He said: “So what we are asking the government to do is we must face this crisis and face it head-on. 

“Our military men should be empowered.

“This is the digital age. 

“The Federal Government cannot be sponsoring and paying lobbyists to change the narrative.”

The cleric further called for structural reforms, including state policing.

He said: “And as a people, we are asking that it’s time for state police. 

“And state police should be now so that the people can defend themselves.”

Addressing economic hardship, Bishop Mike Okonkwo, the Presiding Bishop of The Redeemed Evangelical Mission (TREM), described the situation as dire, saying many Nigerians were struggling to survive.

Okonkwo said: “It’s no longer a secret to all of us that the economy has gone through the roof, affecting the cost of sustenance and livelihood of the individuals in the country.