A Nigerian cleric, Pastor Gideon Oyedepo, has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to take urgent and decisive steps to tackle the worsening insecurity that has plagued the nation for over a decade. His appeal comes amid growing international concern and recent reports highlighting Nigeria’s deteriorating security situation.
In a passionate statement titled “Insecurity: An Urgent Appeal to President Bola Tinubu”, Pastor Oyedepo lamented that the country continues to rank among the most terrorized nations in the world. Citing data from the Global Terrorism Index, he noted that Nigeria has recorded over 10,000 terrorism-related deaths in recent years; a grim statistic that underscores the scale of the crisis.
He expressed deep concern over what he described as “systematic and targeted attacks” on Christian communities, particularly in Kaduna South, Plateau, and Benue States. According to him, repeated assaults have displaced hundreds of thousands of residents and destroyed entire communities, with many describing the violence as genocidal.
Human rights organizations, including Human Rights Watch, have also documented numerous atrocities in these regions. Pastor Oyedepo said these recurring tragedies demand “decisive leadership, compassion, and coordinated security reform” from the Tinubu administration.
The cleric cautioned against any advice suggesting hostility toward the United States or attempts to sever diplomatic ties following the recent U.S. designation of Nigeria as a “place of concern.” He described such suggestions as “misguided and dangerous,” claiming that those pushing such narratives “may be driven by financial or religious motives that exploit Nigeria’s vulnerabilities.”
“Now is not the time to confront our allies,” he said. “We must work with international partners, including the United States, to strengthen intelligence-sharing and security collaboration.”
Pastor Oyedepo also urged the federal government to take firm action against illegal mining in Northern Nigeria, which he said has become a source of funding for terrorist groups. He advocated for government control and regulation of mining sites to choke off financial lifelines for armed groups.
The cleric further emphasized the importance of holding sponsors of terrorism accountable, citing the trial of IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu as an example of how the government can demonstrate resolve in dealing with threats to national security.
He also referenced the statement by the Zamfara State Governor, who previously admitted knowing the identities and hideouts of terrorists operating within the region, urging the Tinubu administration to act on available intelligence and dismantle terror networks.
“The political will to confront these groups is the key,” Oyedepo said. “The government has the means; what remains is the courage to act.”
Calling for deeper cooperation with the international community, he warned that failure to act could attract global intervention and further tarnish Nigeria’s image.
“The world is watching,” he said. “This is a defining moment for President Tinubu to demonstrate decisive and compassionate leadership.”
Pastor Oyedepo concluded his message with a call for national unity and prayer, urging Nigerians and faith-based organizations to continue interceding for divine wisdom and peace across the nation.
“The hope for a secure and prosperous Nigeria,” he said, “rests on leadership that values human life, embraces justice, and stands firm against the enemies of peace.”
