Gladness Gideon
The Anglican Bishop of the Diocese of Oleh, Rt. Rev. John Aruakpor, has raised serious concerns over Nigeria’s worsening security situation, warning that the continued activities of criminal elements are contributing to a growing national food crisis.
Delivering his Bishop’s Charge at the Second Session of the Ninth Synod of the Diocese, held at St. Michael’s Anglican Church, Emevor, Isoko North Local Government Area of Delta State, Bishop Aruakpor lamented that insecurity had become so pervasive that “even kids now talk about it like a nursery rhyme.”
He expressed deep frustration that despite public outcries, the security challenges across the country continue to escalate. “The more we talk of it, the more the situation seems to get worse,” the Bishop said. “One is tempted to believe that the situation is already beyond our security apparatus. If otherwise, then we are calling on all relevant authorities to summon the political will and courage to bring the monster to its knees.”
He further noted that the threats to farmers by armed groups have directly worsened the nation’s food supply, as fear of attacks has forced many to abandon their farms. “There is an alarming increase in killings, maiming, raping of women on farmlands, and the sacking of people from their ancestral homes,” he stated.
On environmental concerns, the cleric also called on the Federal Government to adopt a permanent solution to the country’s perennial flooding problem. He recommended the long-proposed dredging of the Rivers Niger and Benue as a potential remedy and urged authorities to address the frequent, devastating releases from upstream dams, which annually displace thousands and destroy livelihoods.
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“As the rains set in, fear of the unknown has started gripping people living along the coastal lines, especially in the Niger Delta,” Bishop Aruakpor warned, while also expressing sympathy with flood victims in Mokwa, Niger State.
In a message of commendation, the Bishop congratulated Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori on his second year in office. He praised the governor’s achievements in debt reduction and infrastructure delivery, highlighting projects such as the dualisation of the Ughelli–Asaba road, the development of the School of Health Technology in Ovrode, the College of Medical Sciences at Southern Delta University, Ozoro, and the ongoing transformation of Warri.
“We also commend the way you have taken it upon yourself to go around to ensure quality job delivery,” he added.
The Bishop’s address concluded with a call for integrity, compassion, and accountability across all levels of leadership, stressing that Nigeria cannot afford to remain in crisis when solutions are within reach.