Christian leaders in Ondo State have urged political actors and government authorities to stop turning insecurity into a political issue, emphasizing that citizens' lives should not be reduced to talking points. The appeal was made during the sod-turning ceremony for the Ondo State Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Ecumenical and Secretariat Building in Ibule Soro, Ifedore Local Government Area. Bishop Felix Adejumo, founder and general overseer of Agape Christian Ministries, called on leaders to stop denial and political excuses, stressing that Nigerians deserve protection, not narratives. "Our leaders, politicians, should not play politics with the security of lives and property in Nigeria. They should not pretend that they do not know what is going on or turn the other side of their eyes and pretend as if they don't know," Adejumo said. He described the ongoing killings in parts of the country as a daily cry for justice and demanded urgent action to end the violence. Catholic Bishop of Ondo State, Bishop Jude Arogundade, expressed concern over rising fear and uncertainty among citizens but urged people not to panic. He acknowledged the efforts of security agencies, including the police, DSS and local outfits, in responding to threats and maintaining order. Arogundade urged the government to move beyond statements and ensure accountability for those fueling insecurity, warning that failure would erode public trust. "We are going to hold the government accountable. If it is unable to hold individuals who are making life difficult for citizens in this country accountable, then we will also know what to do," he said. Ondo State CAN chairman, Rev. Fr. Anselm Ologunwa, said the Ecumenical Centre would serve as a symbol of Christian unity and cooperation. The facility, located at Ibule Soro, will include a 2,000-capacity worship hall, secretariat, guest house and a 1,500-seat event hall. Ologunwa disclosed that Minister of Interior Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo facilitated land acquisition and provided initial funding for the project. Other clerics at the event said the centre would strengthen inter-denominational unity and enhance the church's role in national development.
Bishop Jude Arogundade warns government failure to hold perpetrators of insecurity accountable will erode public trust, yet praises security agencies for being on top of the situation. The same government he demands accountability from is the one deploying those agencies. His call for vigilance while continuing normal life offers citizens little practical protection from ongoing threats. The presence of Minister of Interior Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo at the church event, where he facilitated land and funding, ties federal political figures directly to religious infrastructure projects in Ondo.
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