In a solemn address during the fifteenth synod of the Warri Diocese of the Anglican Communion held at the Cathedral of St Andrew, Warri, Rt. Rev. Christian Esezi Ide painted a grim picture of Nigeria’s security landscape. Speaking under the theme “Overcoming the birthright of Christians,” the bishop lamented the devastating toll terrorism and banditry have taken on Christian communities across the country.
Citing data from the Observatory for Religious Freedom in Africa, the bishop revealed that between October 2019 and September 2023, an appalling 55,910 Christians were killed by terrorists and bandits in Nigeria. “Nigerians accounted for 90 per cent of all Christians killed worldwide each year,” he emphasized, underscoring the severity of the crisis. Okay.ng reports that this staggering figure highlights a national tragedy largely ignored by authorities.
The bishop did not mince words in criticizing the government’s inaction. “Is this not an indictment of the Nigerian government for failing to protect Christian communities from escalating violence?” he asked. He pointed to the impunity enjoyed by militant herdsmen who “steal and vandalise, kill and boast about it, kidnap and rape,” yet remain unpunished. He warned that these attacks “are religiously motivated and amount to religious cleansing.”
Calling for decisive government intervention, Rt. Rev. Ide urged the federal authorities to “brace up to the occasion to combat this monster of insecurity,” improve border security, and collaborate with local vigilantes to prevent further bloodshed.
Beyond security, the bishop addressed Nigeria’s fractured national unity, economic woes, and social challenges. He advocated for a new, civilian-drafted constitution to replace the current military-imposed framework, arguing it is essential for healing ethnic and religious divisions. He also welcomed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Regional Development Commissions but called for a National Reconciliation Commission to address longstanding grievances.
On the economic front, the bishop expressed concern over soaring inflation, high foreign debt, and the adverse effects of fuel subsidy removal, which have deepened poverty. He praised the recent launch of a special agro-industrial processing zone (SAPZ) in Kaduna State as a positive step toward agricultural revitalization and youth empowerment but warned against policy reversals.
He also highlighted critical deficits in healthcare, noting Nigeria’s life expectancy of just 54 years compared to the global average of 73.3 years. The bishop criticized the government’s allocation of only 5.18% of the 2025 budget to health, far below the Abuja Declaration’s 15% target, and lamented the withdrawal of USAID funding for vital health programs.
On governance, he stressed the judiciary’s role as a stabilizing force and called for its independence and integrity to be protected from political interference. He also urged clarity on the proposed overhaul of the educational system to avoid confusion.
Addressing social issues, the bishop condemned the rising tide of gender-based violence, calling for stronger government and church action to protect women, children, and vulnerable groups.
Finally, he commended the Delta State government under Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for progress in infrastructure and development, especially in Warri and Effurun, while urging peaceful resolution of ethnic tensions arising from recent electoral boundary adjustments in the Warri Federal Constituency.
Rt. Rev. Ide’s comprehensive address underscored the urgent need for holistic reforms spanning security, governance, economy, health, and social cohesion to steer Nigeria away from becoming “a land flowing with tears and blood.”
