The Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Ondo, Most Reverend Jude Arogundade, has called on the Federal Government to ensure that individuals responsible for bringing terrorists into the country are held accountable in the interest of justice and peace.

Arogundade also described the action of those sponsoring terrorism and killings in the country as treasonable offense in the country, noting that the senseless killings and abduction must be stopped.

The cleric spoke at the groundbreaking ceremony of the Ondo State Christian Association (CAN) Ecumenical Centre, held in Akure, facilitated by the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo.

He expressed concern over the growing insecurity across the country, urging the

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led government to take decisive steps against those who are aiding violent groups.

“There are still some people who are bringing in these terrorists. Is it just possible to convince somebody and to bring fighters from outside the country to kill Nigerian citizens?

“By that very fact, it’s treason against the sovereignty of Nigeria. And people did it in the past. From the highest point of this country, those who were in the highest point, even some people whom we knew, whom we are still very conscious of their names, who even boasted about bringing people into this country.

“So government cannot be looking as if they don’t understand, they don’t know their right from left because we are going to hold the government accountable. If they are not able to hold individuals who are trying to make life difficult for us in this country, if they are not able to hold them accountable, we know what to do,” the cleric said.

Arogundade noted that while Nigerians are gripped by fear, particularly over safety in schools in the wake of recent abduction of schoo lchildren in Oyo state, there is no need for panic, stressing that security agencies are actively working to contain threats.

“Our people don’t have to panic. Let us be aware of our environment. If you see something, say something. We must work together to secure our country,” he added.

Also speaking, Pastor Felix Adejumo, the Convener of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), warned political leaders in the country against politicising the security challenges facing Nigeria.

Adejumo who is also the founder of the Agape Christian Ministries, said that the protection of lives and property should not be subjected to partisan interests.

He called on political leaders to stop pretending not to know the causes of insecurity, adding that they must take decisive action to address the challenge.

“Our leaders and politicians should not play politics with the security of lives and property in Nigeria. The blood that is being shed in this nation is crying daily and they need to bring an end to this carnage that we are seeing,” Adejumo said.

Speaking on the project, Ondo State CAN Chairman, Rev. Fr. Olorunfemi Ologunwa, said the facility was being constructed on a solid foundation and would become a landmark for the Christian community in the state.

Ologunwa said that the building project being sponsored and funded by Minister of Interior, Tunji-Ojo is sitting on 14-plot site and would be completed in no a record time.

He lauded the minister for responding after learning that the Christian body lacked a permanent conference and worship centre, adding that the project would serve as a place of worship, fellowship and continuous prayers for Nigeria.

“He (Tunji-Ojo) asked if we had land and I said No and he immediately directed us to look for a land and sponsored its purchase. He has also supported the commencement of the building project,” Ologunwa said.

Earlier, the Minister of Interior, Tunji-Ojo affirmed his commitment to the building project, describing it as a platform that would promote faith, unity and national transformation.

Tunji-Ojo, who was represented by the Rev. Jacob Olajide Bada, the Diocesan Bishop of Akoko, said the Ecumenical Centre would serve as a prayer hub where Christians would continuously intercede for the nation, expressing confidence that God’s promises concerning Nigeria would come to pass.

“This is a place where prayers will go on continuously for God to remember His promises over Nigeria, and it will surely come to pass,” he added. (The Nation)

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