Pastor Sam Adeyemi of Daystar Christian Centre has called on security agencies to act swiftly to rescue the 46 schoolchildren and their teachers abducted by terrorists in Oyo State, as well as victims from other regions of the country. In a statement released on Friday, the cleric expressed deep sorrow over the trauma Nigerians continue to endure, highlighting the beheading of one teacher by the terrorists.
Distress Over Plight of Victims
Adeyemi described the unimaginable suffering of the abducted individuals, including a two-year-old child, as a source of extreme distress for their families. He noted that the 46 victims are not alone, as many more across Nigeria face similar fates, often without public attention. The rising violence in the South West region has instilled fear among residents, though other regions have experienced such insecurity for years.
Call for National Dialogue
The pastor lamented that Nigeria's current structure, characterized by limited social mobility, leaves millions of young people uneducated and without skills or jobs. This situation, he argued, breeds bandits, kidnappers, corrupt officials, and digital thieves, stifling human potential except for the elite class. He urged citizens not to wait for unbearable circumstances to force a discussion about Nigeria's future, but to engage in dialogue intentionally and now.
Urgent Need for Conversation
Adeyemi emphasized the urgency of a national conversation about the country's future, noting that while some aspire for an economically advanced Nigeria, powerful figures remain indifferent. He called on citizens to demand a national discussion as a true demonstration of leadership, rather than waiting for a savior. He tasked the elite class with convening the dialogue and envisioning a prosperous Nigeria that embraces diversity and values.
Continuing on the current path is not an option, Adeyemi stated, urging Nigerians to view challenges as unprecedented opportunities to build a new nation that works for everyone. He concluded with a message of hope, saying, Together, we can achieve this, God helping us.
