Anglican diocese raises insecurity concerns in Kwara, backs state police

The Anglican Diocese of Jebba has expressed concern over worsening insecurity in parts of Kwara State, calling on governments at all levels to intensify efforts to protect lives and secure the release of kidnapped victims across affected communities.

The position was contained in a communiqué issued after the first session of the seventh synod of the diocese, held from August 1 to 2 at the Cathedral Church of St. Peter, Jebba, Kwara State.

The synod, themed “Choose Life and Live,” was presided over by the Diocesan Bishop and President of Synod, Rt. Rev. Dr. Oluwaseun Adeyinka Aderogba, and attended by clergy, delegates and dignitaries from across the country.

In the communiqué, signed by Bishop Aderogba, Chancellor Hon. Justice O. Adekeye and Synod Secretary Ven. Ebenezer O. Onabanjo, the church expressed grave concern over persistent insecurity in several parts of the state.

It urged the Federal and Kwara State governments to strengthen intelligence gathering, improve collaboration among security agencies and ensure the immediate rescue of kidnapped victims from Woro in Kaiama Local Government Area, Ikerin-Opin in Ekiti Local Government Area, Lata Nna in Patigi Local Government Area and other victims still in captivity.

The synod also encouraged communities to embrace lawful security arrangements capable of protecting lives and property.

While commending Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for ongoing developmental projects across the state, the church appealed to him to reconstruct the Share–Patigi Road and fast-track the Jebba–Bacita–Shonga Road project.

It also urged the governor to ensure equitable distribution of development projects across the state, particularly in Kwara North Senatorial District.

On national security, the synod commended President Bola Tinubu for supporting the establishment of state police, expressing confidence that the initiative would strengthen community policing and improve the country’s security architecture.

The church also opposed the proposed anti-bus evangelism bill, arguing that it could undermine constitutional rights to freedom of worship, religious expression and the peaceful propagation of faith.

Ahead of the forthcoming elections in Osun State, the synod called on the Independent National Electoral Commission, security agencies and other stakeholders to ensure free, fair, peaceful and credible polls that reflect the will of the electorate.

It further urged political actors to conduct their campaigns peacefully and avoid inflammatory rhetoric capable of heightening political tension.

Reflecting on the synod’s theme, the delegates encouraged Christians to remain committed to biblical teachings, resist moral compromise and uphold righteousness in both their private and public lives.