Anglican Bishop Decries Increase Spate Of Insecurity, Says Situation ‘Frightening’

News Investigators/ The Anglican Bishop of Owo Diocese, Stephen Ayodeji A. Fagbemi, has described the nation’s security situation as alarming, warning that citizens live in constant fear amid growing threats from terrorists, bandits, and kidnappers.

“The security situation has reached a level that is frightening for all Nigerians,” Bishop Fagbemi said during an exclusive appearance on Frontline, a public and current affairs programme on Eagle 102.5 FM Ilese-Ijebu, Ogun State, on Monday.

He said that the experiences of Owo and nearby communities underscore the urgent need for government intervention. “Years ago, security was something we worried about occasionally. Today, it dictates how every Nigerian lives and moves, I mean, what people tend to talk more about is what you have heard, what seems to have gained a lot of fame or publicity, but actually there are others that people hardly hear about, but they have actually suffered in the hands of terrorists. They have been kidnapped, they have been attacked, some have been killed, and definitely it is a worrying trend in our community now, and in fact, as I said, there are churches activities that now have to either be put on hold or suspended completely, so it’s really disturbing that we have attained, we have reached this height in our discussion on security.” he added.

The Bishop recalled the shocking attack on St. Francis Catholic Church Owo. “It was Pentecost Sunday. I was only 400 meters away, and chaos erupted before I could understand what was happening. People ran, some were hiding, and the community was paralyzed with fear. Later we learned innocent worshippers had been killed. It was horrific, horrific, sad, scary, terrible. You would never want it to happen to anyone at all, not to anyone at all, so you can imagine even the trauma for those who were not there, or when you begin to get to know the names of those who had been killed, people you know, and then you begin to worry and begin to imagine. For me, I just imagined that it could have been me.” he said.

He added that the trauma extended beyond the victims’ families. “Even now, people are anxious about attending church. Fear has become part of our lives. The attack could have been anywhere in Owo, not just St. Francis Church, and that reality continues to weigh heavily on everyone,” he noted.

AFP Ondo State governor Rotimi Akeredolu (3rd L) points to blood on the floor after an attack by gunmen at St Francis Catholic Church in Owo town, south-west Nigeria, on 5 June.

Ondo State governor Rotimi Akeredolu (3rd L) called it a “vile and satanic attack”

Recall that on June 5, 2022, a devastating terror attack targeted the St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Owo, Ondo State, during a Pentecost Sunday service. Assailants, later identified by security forces as members of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), used a combination of improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and AK-47 rifles to massacre worshippers. The assault, which lasted approximately 30 minutes, resulted in at least 40 confirmed deaths and left over 80 others injured, including many children and elderly congregants. The massacre drew global condemnation, with former President Muhammadu Buhari describing it as a “dastardly act” carried out by “fiends from the nether region”.

The attack marked a significant escalation in Nigeria’s security crisis, as it occurred in the country’s southwestern region, which had previously been relatively spared from the large-scale insurgent violence common in the North. Following the incident, Nigerian security agencies launched an intensive investigation that led to the arrest of several suspects by August 2022. As of early 2026, six suspects have been apprehended and are facing trial on nine counts of terrorism-related charges, though they have maintained a plea of not guilty. While the church reopened in April 2023, the community continues to grapple with the emotional scars of the event and the ongoing pursuit of justice for the victims.

The Bishop criticized the slow judicial process in cases like the St. Francis attack. “Over three years later, the perpetrators are still awaiting trial. Families are traumatized, and justice delayed is justice denied. The courts must act swiftly to restore faith in the system,” he said.

He warned that delays could encourage more attacks. “If criminals see no consequences, they will continue. Government must act decisively to deter future atrocities,” he added.

Underreported Spate of Abductions and Attacks

The Bishop also highlighted that the media often reports only high-profile incidents, leaving countless attacks unnoticed. “There are abductions and attacks that do not make headlines. Families suffer in silence. People live in constant fear, and the government must not turn a blind eye to these ongoing tragedies,” he said.

He further explained the broader societal impact of insecurity. “Insecure communities cannot thrive. Businesses are disrupted, schools are closed, and religious gatherings are curtailed. Fear is pervasive. Security must be prioritized, or all other development collapses,” he warned.

Bishop Fagbemi stressed the financial and moral burden placed on churches. “Even small congregations are forced to fund security. Some barely manage with weekly offerings, yet they are expected to cater for police fuel and officers on duty. This is unsustainable,” he said.

“Security is a constitutional duty, not a favor to be bought,” he added. “It is unacceptable that citizens are expected to pay for protection in their own communities.”

The Bishop underscored that all levels of government must step up. “Federal, state, and local authorities have a duty to protect lives and property. The failure to do so fuels fear and despair. Proactive measures, intelligence gathering, and rapid responses must become standard,” he said.

He also noted that local communities often feel abandoned. “People in Ondo and other towns are left to fend for themselves. Families pay ransom to save abducted relatives while security agencies provide minimal assistance. This is unacceptable,” Fagbemi added.

Reflecting on the psychological toll, the Bishop said, “People live in fear of attending worship services or sending children to school. The trauma from incidents like the St. Francis attack is long-lasting. Communities suffer silently, and the state must prioritize their protection.”

He continued, “The inability to respond promptly emboldens criminals. If kidnappers succeed repeatedly without consequences, it encourages others to do the same. Government must act decisively to reverse this trend.”

Lessons from Other Security Models

Bishop Fagbemi suggested the need for innovative solutions such as state policing and better-equipped local security forces. “If state governments had their own dedicated police, response times would be faster, and officers would be more accountable. Localized security ensures efficiency and accountability,” he said.

He also advocated for modern surveillance tools. “Investments in helicopters, drones, and intelligence infrastructure are essential. Security cannot be symbolic. It must be real, effective, and responsive,” he added.

“The people must also play a role,” he said. “Church members, civil servants, and local leaders should contribute ideas and support measures to improve security. But leadership and action must come from government. Citizens cannot solve these problems alone,” Fagbemi emphasized.

“Security is the foundation upon which peace and development rest. Without it, the economy, education, and social life suffer,” Bishop Fagbemi said. He concluded by urging authorities to leave no stone unturned in protecting citizens. “Our communities deserve peace. Our children deserve safety. Government must ensure that security is not optional—it is a duty.”