Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The Prelate of the Methodist Church Nigeria, Dr Oliver Aba, has issued a firm and unambiguous call on the Federal Government to cease the payment of ransom to kidnappers and terrorists, insisting that prayer, while essential, cannot substitute for accountable governance and proactive security measures. Speaking on Wednesday, August 5, 2026, at the 50th/15th Biennial Conference of the church, Aba also urged President Bola Tinubu's administration to tackle the escalating challenges of inflation, worsening insecurity, and the depreciation of the naira, noting that millions of Nigerians are buckling under the weight of the country's deepening economic crisis.
The Prelate did not mince words in tracing the roots of Nigeria's predicaments, declaring that the nation's economic and security crises are largely self-inflicted and stem from failures in governance at all levels. "We know that the root cause of our predicaments is self-inflicted at all levels of governance, and the present Federal Government cannot be fully absolved of our woes," Aba stated. He stressed that leaders at the federal, state, and local government levels must demonstrate personal sacrifices and commitments in their collective efforts to salvage the nation. While acknowledging the role of prayer and divine intervention, the church leader insisted that governments must not abdicate their constitutional responsibilities. "Our governments must not abdicate their responsibilities for which they were voted for. It is good to pray through Jesus Christ to God but leaders MUST perform their duties creditably. So also, governments must stop paying ransom to kidnappers," the Prelate declared.
The Methodist Church also welcomed the recent rescue of 46 abducted victims, including schoolchildren, teachers, and a principal, who were kidnapped between May 15 and July 12 from three schools in the Ahoro-Esiele and Yawota communities in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State. Aba praised the combined efforts of praying Christians, a section of Oyo State security forces, and federal security agencies for the safe release of the victims. However, he mourned the loss of two teachers, Michael Oladokun and John Ola, who died during the ordeal, as well as five security personnel who lost their lives in the rescue operation, including three operatives of the Oyo State Security Network Agency, Amotekun, and two members of the joint security forces. The church extended its condolences to the bereaved families and commended the fallen operatives for their sacrifice.
While urging Nigerians to continue praying for peace and security, the Methodist Church reiterated that prayer must be accompanied by responsible governance and a more proactive approach to tackling banditry, kidnapping, and other security threats. The Prelate's message was clear: the Federal Government must adopt a more proactive approach to tackling banditry, kidnapping, and other security threats, rather than relying on reactive measures that often lead to the payment of ransom, which only emboldens criminal elements. His remarks come amid growing public frustration over the government's perceived inability to protect citizens and secure the release of abducted victims without resorting to ransom payments—a practice that the church has now firmly condemned.
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