The Catholic Bishop of Ondo Diocese, Jude Arogundade, has urged Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa to take urgent measures to address the rising wave of kidnapping and insecurity across the state.
The call comes after three individuals were abducted and robbed by hoodlums at the Comprehensive Health Centre in Oke Ijebu, Akure, early Saturday morning.
The victims were abandoned in a bush along the Ondo-Akure Expressway after their bank accounts were emptied. They were subsequently rescued by officers of the state Security Network Agency, popularly known as Amotekun.
Speaking on Sunday at the Sacred Heart Cathedral in Akure during Palm Sunday mass, Bishop Arogundade stressed that both federal and state authorities must step up efforts to protect lives and property.
He expressed concern over the growing boldness of kidnappers, who he said were increasingly entering the state capital.
“I don’t think our government is serious again. I will just say that because if you look at our town here in Akure, Akure is being invaded. These strange people are coming in—where are they coming from? And the government will say they don’t know what is going on?
“They are particularly taking hold of strategic places, and everybody is looking helpless until they begin to strike and kill people again, before people begin to react,” he said.
The cleric criticized a recent government statement describing terrorists as “prodigal sons,” noting the severity of their actions.
READ ALSO: Fuel Up 500%, Insecurity Worsening — ADC Tackles Tinubu At 74
“The prodigal son in the Bible didn’t kill his father, nor did he kill his brother to take over property. The prodigal son went, he lost everything, and he was caring for the swine.
“He didn’t kill the owner of the swine to take over everything. So, please, in a civilised country, that man should resign. What kind of nonsense is that? We lost 41 people here in my diocese, and those who killed them are prodigal sons? I don’t think this country is serious,” he said.
Bishop Arogundade called on residents to remain vigilant and pray while urging the government to act decisively.
“We have to pray—that is our duty as Christians. We have to pray, but at the same time, the government has to take responsibility.
“Within one year, not even up to one year, Akure has been invaded, and the government will tell you they don’t know about it? Even the small child in the street knows what is going on,” he added.
On the Palm Sunday celebration, Arogundade highlighted its significance in the Christian faith, noting that it commemorates the triumphant entry of Jesus Christ into Jerusalem and prepares believers for His passion and death.
“Who have suffered with Him, who have journeyed with Him, will rise with Him into glory. This is the teaching of Christianity: that in participating in His life and death, we will also participate and be part of His life and resurrection.
“Palm Sunday begins the Holy Week, in which everyone is called to a deeper consciousness of the part that our Lord Jesus Christ played, and continues to play, in human salvation,” he concluded.