..Decries slow justice over St. Francis Church massacre
..Warns fear, kidnappings crippling communities, economy
By Staff Reporter
The Anglican Bishop of Owo Diocese, Stephen Ayodeji A. Fagbemi, has raised fresh concerns over Nigeria’s worsening security situation, describing it as “frightening” and warning that citizens now live under constant fear of attacks, kidnappings, and violence.
Speaking during an appearance on Frontline, a public affairs programme on Eagle 102.5 FM, Ilese-Ijebu, Ogun State, the cleric lamented that insecurity has become a defining factor in the daily lives of Nigerians.
“The security situation has reached a level that is frightening for all Nigerians,” Fagbemi said, noting that incidents of terrorism, banditry, and abductions have continued to spread across communities.
Reflecting on the situation in Owo and its environs, the bishop said the crisis has forced many churches to suspend or scale down activities due to safety concerns.
“Years ago, security was something we worried about occasionally. Today, it dictates how every Nigerian lives and moves. There are many attacks people don’t even hear about—families have been kidnapped, attacked, and some killed. It is a worrying trend,” he said.
Fagbemi recounted his experience during the June 5, 2022 attack on St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Owo, Ondo State, describing the घटना as traumatic and unforgettable.
“It was Pentecost Sunday. I was barely 400 metres away when chaos erupted. People were running and hiding. Later, we learned that innocent worshippers had been killed. It was horrific—sad and terrifying. It could have been anyone, even me,” he recalled.
The attack, which claimed dozens of lives and left many others injured, marked a turning point in the security narrative of Nigeria’s South-West region.
More than three years after the attack, the bishop expressed concern over the slow pace of justice, noting that suspects are still undergoing trial.
“Justice delayed is justice denied. Families are still traumatized. The courts must act swiftly to restore public confidence,” he said.
He warned that prolonged delays in prosecuting offenders could embolden criminal elements.
“If criminals see no consequences, they will continue. Government must act decisively to deter future atrocities,” he added.
The cleric also decried what he described as underreporting of numerous abductions and attacks across the country.
“There are many incidents that never make headlines. Families suffer in silence while fear spreads. Government must not ignore these ongoing tragedies,” he said.
Fagbemi stressed that insecurity has far-reaching consequences on national development, disrupting businesses, education, and religious activities.
“Insecure communities cannot thrive. Schools are closing, businesses are affected, and social life is shrinking. Security must be prioritized, or development will collapse,” he warned.
He further criticized the burden placed on religious institutions to fund their own security, describing the trend as unsustainable.
“Even small churches now provide logistics for security personnel. This is not right. Security is a constitutional responsibility, not a service citizens should pay for,” he stated.
Calling for urgent reforms, the bishop urged all tiers of government to intensify efforts in intelligence gathering, rapid response, and community protection.
He also advocated the establishment of state policing and adoption of modern security technologies, including drones and surveillance systems, to improve response time and accountability.
“If state governments had their own police structures, security would be more effective and responsive to local realities,” he said.
While encouraging citizens to support security initiatives, Fagbemi emphasized that the primary responsibility rests with the government.
“Security is the foundation of peace and development. Without it, nothing else can function. Government must ensure that the safety of lives and property is not optional, but guaranteed,” he said.
