.Tasks politicians to shun politicizing insecurity
AKINWALE ABOLUWADE
The Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) has condemned the recent killings of 14 persons, including women and children, in Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State, describing the attack as a horrific reflection of Nigeria’s deepening insecurity.
The President of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria, Bishop Francis Wale Oke, on behalf of the Christian body, on Friday, warned political leaders and stakeholders against playing politics with the national security, stressing that the sanctity of human life must never be reduced to a partisan matter.
The victims were reportedly ambushed on Thursday evening while returning from a weekly market in the troubled north-central state, which has been plagued by communal conflicts, land disputes, and escalating attacks by armed herders and criminal gangs known as bandits.
According to local sources, the deadly ambush sparked a retaliatory attack, leading to the killing of two youths in what residents described as an ethnically motivated reprisal.
Reacting to the incident, the PFN described the killings as “a horrendous eyesore” and a glaring violation of the will of God. It lamented that such acts of brutality indicate a complete disregard for the sanctity of human life and a lack of love for fellow citizens.
“The blood of innocent Nigerians continues to be shed needlessly. These repeated attacks are not only a humanitarian tragedy but also a spiritual and moral failure on the part of a nation that once stood for peace and unity,” the PFN President said.
The Fellowship further stated that the spate of violence across many parts of the country has inflicted untold hardship on the people, noting that beyond the trauma and grief, the economic consequences are severe.
The Christian body cited the sharp increase in the prices of staple food items such as rice, onions, and pepper — some of which have risen by over 430 per cent — as part of the fallout of insecurity in farming communities.
The body also expressed concern over Nigeria’s growing reputation as a high-risk country due to insecurity, referencing the recent travel advisory issued by the United States, warning its citizens about potential dangers when visiting Nigeria.
“This nation is bleeding. Beyond the borders, the world is watching, and unfortunately, what they see is a country where human lives are wasted with impunity and justice remains elusive. We cannot continue like this,” the clergyman stated.
He called on the federal, state and local governments to intensify efforts to restore law and order across affected regions, stressing that securing the lives and property of citizens is the primary responsibility of any government.
The PFN also urged religious and traditional leaders to rise above ethnic or political sentiments and speak boldly in favour of peace, justice, and reconciliation.
“As spiritual leaders, we must unite to heal this land. The time has come for all hands to be on deck — security agencies, government officials, faith leaders, and civil society — to end the bloodshed and chart a new path of hope and healing for Nigeria,” Bishop Wale Oke stated.
