The Prelate of Methodist Church Nigeria, His Eminence Dr. Oliver Aba, has called on the Federal Government to rise to its constitutional duty of securing lives and property, citing worsening cases of banditry, kidnapping and killings in parts of the country.
Addressing the opening session of the 50th/15th Biennial Conference of the church held at Bashmol Event Centre in Ibadan, Oyo State on Wednesday, the Prelate said the conference theme “I Will Fight For You – Exodus 14:14”, was a divine reminder for Nigerians to trust God amid trials.
“By this, God is showing us in Methodist Church Nigeria (MCN) how to fight for our faith, our lives, and our land from banditry! A case study is Borno, Benue and Plateau States, where kidnapping and killings further illustrates the woes faced by Nigerians from bandits who raid our farms, rape our women, dislodge our males from farmlands,” he said.
The Prelate commended the rescue of 46 citizens abducted in Oriire LGA of Oyo State, who were freed on July 12, 2026 after 56 days in captivity. He however lamented the killing of two victims, Mr. Michael Oladokun and Mr. John Ola, at the onset of the attack.
“Their safe rescue is the handiwork of the combined efforts of praying Christians, a section of the Oyo State and federal security forces,” he noted.
On the state of the nation, the Prelate said 2026 remains trying times for Nigerians due to rising cost of living, inflation and the free-fall of the Naira.
He appealed to the Federal Government led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to address the economic challenges, and urged leaders at all levels to make personal sacrifices.
“Our governments must not abdicate their responsibilities for which they were voted for… governments must stop paying ransom to kidnappers,” he added.
Welcoming delegates to Ibadan, the Prelate described Oyo State as a land of culture, academic excellence and hospitality.
He thanked Governor Seyi Makinde, a Knight of the church, and the host, Most Rev. Olugbenga O. C. Faleyiwa of the Archdiocese of Ibadan, for hosting 1,000 delegates.
