Prophet Isa El-Buba, founder of the Evangelical Bible Outreach Ministry International (EBOMI), has called for urgent national action to halt killings, kidnappings, and insecurity across Nigeria, insisting that the protection of lives must supersede politics and electioneering.
Black Sunday Observance
Speaking during the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Black Sunday Observance, El-Buba decried the continued loss of innocent lives and displacement of communities, warning that Nigeria's democracy remains incomplete without security, justice, and hope for citizens.
"Too many innocent lives have been lost. Too many communities have been displaced. Too many parents live with uncertainty about the future of their children," he said.
Call for Unity
Addressing Christians, Muslims, traditional rulers, public servants, political leaders, and young people, the cleric described the moment as critical, demanding collective reflection and action. He urged Nigerians to unite in condemning violence, stating: "The bloodshed in Nigeria must stop. Every life matters. Every citizen deserves protection and every community deserves peace."
The Prophet stressed that security must be the nation's foremost priority. "Before politics, before elections, before personal interests, we must secure the lives of Nigerians. No security, no election," he declared.
Dismantle Criminal Networks
He charged all levels of government and security agencies to dismantle criminal networks, protect vulnerable communities, and rebuild public trust in the security architecture. The cleric further blamed corruption, greed, injustice, and abuse of power for weakening the nation's foundations, calling on the Church to reclaim its prophetic role as a voice of conscience.
Extending a hand of partnership to Muslim leaders and other stakeholders, El-Buba urged religious bodies to denounce those using faith to justify violence, noting that insecurity, poverty, and criminality cut across tribe and religion.
Appeal to President Tinubu
In a direct appeal to President Bola Tinubu, he demanded stronger leadership against insecurity and decisive action to rescue kidnap victims. "We will not keep silent, we will not keep quiet, until our nation is recovered," he said.
Black Sunday Service Theme
The Black Sunday service, themed "When The Land Bleeds: The Responsibility of the Watchmen and the Citizens", drew on texts from Ezekiel 33:1–9, Isaiah 59:14–16, and Proverbs 24:11–12. El-Buba charged "watchmen"—pastors, traditional rulers, community leaders, teachers, and public officials—to sound the alarm, mobilize prayer and action, and speak truth to power.
He urged citizens to reject silence, refuse collaboration with criminals, and raise a generation that values human life. "When a nation normalizes evil, its conscience is in danger. The Church must never become comfortable while the nation bleeds," he warned.
Turning Point
Concluding, El-Buba called for mourning, repentance, prayer, and responsibility, declaring that Black Sunday must mark a turning point. "Darkness may be strong, but light is stronger. Evil may appear to be advancing, but righteousness will ultimately prevail," he said.
