Christians in Nigeria marked Easter amid heightened security concerns, as the Christian Faith Reporters Association (CFRA) called for justice and national unity. The group's president, Adeola Ogunlade, urged citizens and leaders to reflect on the true meaning of the season, emphasizing peace and reconciliation in a nation grappling with widespread insecurity. In a statement, Ogunlade said Easter should inspire a collective commitment to fairness, good governance, and the protection of lives and property. He stressed that religious celebrations must not be overshadowed by fear, and called on authorities to ensure safety for all communities. The CFRA also reminded Nigerians of their shared responsibility in fostering harmony, warning that silence in the face of injustice only deepens societal fractures. With attacks on civilians reported in several regions, the group's message comes at a time of deep public anxiety over the government's ability to restore order. Ogunlade specifically referenced the need for leaders to act with integrity and for citizens to reject hate and division. The association encouraged churches to use their platforms to promote dialogue and national healing. Security measures were heightened in major cities during Easter services, with military and police presence visible in places of worship and surrounding areas. The government has not issued a specific response to the CFRA's statement. Religious leaders across denominations echoed calls for calm and urged congregants to remain vigilant without succumbing to fear. The situation remains tense in parts of the North-East, North-Central, and South-East, where armed attacks and abductions continue.
When Adeola Ogunlade says Easter should inspire justice and unity, he is directly challenging both political leaders and citizens to stop treating insecurity as inevitable. His statement is not just spiritual counsel but a rebuke to a system where promises of safety are routinely broken. In a season marked by fear, the CFRA's call is a rare public insistence that faith must translate into accountability. This is not about religion alone — it is about the state's failure to protect its people.
