The Most Reverend Joseph Akinfenwa, the Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Ibadan, has issued a strong call to the Nigerian government, urging more deliberate action to address the nation's worsening security crisis. His appeal came during the Christmas service at St. James the Great Anglican Church in Oke Bola, Ibadan, on December 26, 2025.
Christmas Celebrations Overshadowed by Fear
Bishop Akinfenwa expressed deep concern that the persistent insecurity across many parts of Nigeria has severely eroded the traditional joy of the yuletide season. He stated that for many Christians, the fear of attacks and abductions prevented them from freely celebrating Christmas and attending church services.
"Christmas is meant to be a season of peace, love, joy, and communal celebration, not one marked by fear and insecurity," the cleric lamented. He highlighted that anxiety has now become a dominant feature of the festivities in numerous communities, turning a period of happiness into one of apprehension and uncertainty.
Reports of Attacks on Churches and Clergy
The Bishop disclosed troubling reports of direct attacks on places of worship and the abduction of priests in various regions of the country. These incidents, he explained, have instilled significant fear among the faithful, discouraging participation in essential Christmas activities and communal worship.
Akinfenwa described the situation as deeply troubling, emphasizing that the fundamental freedom to worship is being threatened. "Nigerians deserve to be happy during Christmas and other festive seasons," he asserted, adding that nothing should be allowed to intimidate people or threaten their lives and liberty.
A Call for Decisive and Proactive Leadership
In his direct appeal to authorities, Bishop Akinfenwa called on leaders at all tiers of government to be more intentional, deliberate, and proactive in solving the nation's security challenges. He stressed that tackling the multifaceted insecurity requires decisive leadership, improved intelligence gathering, and stronger inter-agency collaboration among security forces.
The Bishop urged the government to prioritize the protection of lives, places of worship, and public spaces, especially during festive periods when citizens should celebrate without fear. He also appealed directly to security agencies to intensify patrols and take visible, reassuring steps to guarantee public safety throughout the holiday season and beyond.
His message serves as a poignant reminder that security is the bedrock of societal peace and that without it, national joy and unity, particularly during sacred periods like Christmas, remain elusive.
