THE escalating wave of bandit attacks across the South-East geopolitical zone has left residents sleeping with one eye open, as armed criminals continue to target private homes and, most alarmingly, places of worship in a troubling pattern that has drawn widespread condemnation from religious leaders and stakeholders alike.
The attacks, which have seen worshippers abducted and sometimes killed during services, have sparked fears of a coordinated assault on Christianity in the region. The recent assault on a Catholic church in Enugu State has particularly heightened tensions, while the Anglican Synod in Abia State has issued a stern warning against the growing menace.
Stakeholders have now called on both state and federal governments to urgently tackle the crisis, warning of dire consequences for citizens’ security and the nation’s overall development if the trend remains unchecked.
“These attacks on worship centres, where unsuspecting worshippers are abducted or killed, are deeply troubling,” a coalition of stakeholders said in a joint statement. They urged the government and security agencies to fulfil their constitutional responsibility of protecting lives and property across the country.
In a passionate address to congregants during a church programme in Okigwe town, Imo State, the General Overseer of The Redeemer Church of Christ, Pastor Edwin Orzor Nnah, described the incessant attacks as a direct threat to Christianity.
“This relentless assault on the body of Christ is a threat to our faith,” Pastor Orzor declared. He called for fervent prayers to seek divine intervention, warning that if the attacks remain unchecked, it would amount to a direct assault on Christianity in Nigeria.
Deeply disturbed by the deteriorating security situation, the clergyman called on the powers that be – particularly the government – to take proactive action and put a permanent stop to the ugly trend.
Despite the mounting attacks, some stakeholders have maintained that such acts of terror will never deter Christians from practising their faith. They insisted that “Nigeria being a secular state must maintain its secularity” to preserve the nation’s one indivisible status.
Meanwhile, the Nigeria Police Force has expressed its readiness and commitment to checkmate the attacks and deal decisively with criminal elements threatening the peace and security of the South-East region.
Residents, however, remain on edge, with many calling for more visible and effective security deployments to protect communities and restore confidence in the government’s ability to safeguard their lives and worship.
