The Bishop of the Diocese of Kwara, Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), Rt. Rev. Sunday Timothy Adewole, has issued a strong warning to the Federal Government over rising insecurity and economic hardship, urging immediate and decisive intervention to prevent further loss of lives and erosion of public trust.
Speaking at the 1st Session of the 18th Synod of the Diocese held at Christ the King Anglican Church, Geri-Alimi, Ilorin, Adewole lamented the growing wave of violence in Kwara State and across the country, insisting that the protection of lives and property remains the primary responsibility of government.
The cleric described the reported killing of 162 residents in Woro and Nuku communities of Kaiama Local Government Area as a grim reflection of the country’s fragile security situation. He noted that many of the victims were allegedly targeted for rejecting extremist ideologies, describing the incident as a direct attack on peaceful coexistence.
“We urge the Federal Government to rise to its God-given responsibility of safeguarding lives, upholding justice and promoting the common good of all citizens without discrimination,” Adewole said.
He also condemned attacks on worship centres, citing the November 2025 attack in Eruku, Ekiti Local Government Area, where worshippers were killed and abducted. According to him, the persistent wave of kidnappings has disrupted livelihoods, forced school closures and subjected families to financial strain through ransom payments.
Beyond security concerns, the Bishop tasked the Federal Government with stabilising the economy through policies that will strengthen the naira, reduce inflation and create sustainable employment opportunities for Nigeria’s growing youth population.
“Corruption, which continues to undermine national development, must be addressed with genuine commitment, transparency and accountability at all levels of governance,” he added.
Adewole further called for people-oriented policies, stressing that intervention programmes must reach the most vulnerable. He emphasised the need to strengthen institutions, uphold the rule of law and ensure credible electoral processes as critical steps towards restoring public confidence.
Warning against divisive tendencies, he urged leaders to promote unity, religious tolerance and peaceful coexistence across ethnic and regional lines.
“Every Nigerian life is sacred and must be protected irrespective of tribe, religion or region,” he stated.
While acknowledging efforts by the Kwara State Government in sectors such as infrastructure, education, agriculture and social welfare, the Bishop noted that gaps still exist in rural development, healthcare delivery, youth employment and access to basic amenities.
He maintained that governance should be measured by its impact on grassroots communities rather than visible projects concentrated in urban areas.
The Bishop also encouraged Christians to actively participate in politics and support credible leaders based on competence and capacity to deliver, rather than religious sentiments. He called for a change in attitude among Nigerians, noting that trust has eroded in many sectors of society.
Adewole urged leaders at all levels to govern with humility, integrity and the fear of God, describing leadership as a sacred responsibility that must prioritise the welfare of the people.
In his remarks, the Secretary of the Christian Association of Nigeria in Kwara State, Apostle Barrister Shina Ibiyemi, charged Christians to remain steadfast and contribute meaningfully to national development despite prevailing challenges.
“This is the time for us to rise and play our roles. We cannot continue to sit back and only watch events unfold. Our voices and actions matter in building a better nation,” Ibiyemi said.
He stressed the need for unity among Christians and called for collective efforts in addressing societal challenges, while urging adherence to justice, peace and the rule of law.
“The Church must not lose sight of its mission. Even in these challenging times, we must trust God and continue to work for growth, stability, and progress in our nation,” he added.
The synod, held from April 17 to 19, 2026, brought together clergy and laity across the diocese to deliberate on spiritual growth and the role of the Church in national development.
Also speaking, Reverend Timothy Oluwagbemiga Akangbe, Senior Special Assistant on Religious Matters (Christian Affairs), called on Nigerians to continue praying for the nation and Kwara State amid the ongoing challenges.
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