The Methodist Church Nigeria has called on President Bola Tinubu to intensify efforts to tackle banditry, kidnapping, and killings across the country.
The church made the appeal in a communiqué issued at the end of its 35th Synod of the Remo Diocese, where it warned that the growing security challenges required stronger and more coordinated national responses.
According to the communiqué signed by the Diocesan Bishop, Rev. Bamidele Ibikunle; the Synod Secretary, Rev. Jacob Ayedona; and the Lay President, Dr Akinola Soname, insecurity remains a major concern affecting national stability.
“The Synod raised concerns over the rate of insecurity, emphasising kidnapping and banditry in some parts of the nation such as Plateau, Kwara, Kogi, Benue, and Borno States. There is an urgent need for stronger measures against religiously motivated violence and kidnapping,” the church stated.
While urging the Federal Government to overhaul its security architecture, the church also called for urgent action on economic hardship, inflation, and rising poverty, particularly at the grassroots level.
“The Synod calls on the President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, and the Vice President, Alhaji Kashim Shettima, GCON, to pay attention to economic reforms, security overhaul, and national coherence,” it added.
The church also decried the activities of internet fraudsters popularly known as Yahoo boys and girls, urging that they be properly educated and redirected towards productive ventures.
It noted that unemployment and joblessness were major drivers of social decay, calling for youth-focused policies to channel energy into legitimate economic activities.
“Highlighting the link between joblessness and social decay, the church pressed for urgent youth-centered employment policies,” the communiqué stated.
The Synod further urged increased investment in education and healthcare, especially in rural and underserved communities, while calling for stronger collaboration between government and faith-based organisations in promoting peace, justice, and social welfare.
Despite its concerns, the church commended the Federal Government and Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, for ongoing development efforts in infrastructure, healthcare, education, and religious tolerance.
It particularly praised Abiodun for the recently inaugurated Gateway International Airport, describing it as a project capable of transforming the economic landscape of Ogun State and Nigeria.
The Synod, which reportedly brought together 283 delegates comprising clergy and laity as well as other dignitaries, was declared open by the Ogun State Government through the Commissioner for Environment, Mr Ola Oresanya.
However, the church urged Nigerians to remain steadfast in faith, stressing that lasting peace and security could only be achieved through divine intervention and collective responsibility.
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