In an address during the fifteenth synod of the Warri Diocese of the Anglican Communion, Bishop Christian Esezi Ide expressed deep sorrow over Nigeria’s worsening security crisis.
He revealed that between 2019 and 2023, a staggering 55,910 Christians were reportedly killed by terrorists and bandits in Nigeria, accounting for 90% of all Christian fatalities globally during that period.
The Bishop urgently implored the Federal Government to take decisive action to curb the escalating violence that has transformed Nigeria into a “land flowing with tears and blood.”
Beyond the critical security concerns, Bishop Ide also addressed other pressing national issues. He advocated for a new civilian constitution to tackle the country’s deep-seated ethnic and religious divisions and proposed the establishment of a National Reconciliation Commission to foster healing.
In regards to the economy, he highlighted the rampant inflation, mounting foreign debt, and unfavorable foreign exchange rates, noting that recent economic reforms have increased the level of poverty among Nigerians. While commending the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zone (SAPZ) initiative, he cautioned against inconsistent policy implementation.
Furthermore, the Bishop spoke regarding the high unemployment rate, the alarmingly low life expectancy of Nigerians (averaging 54 years, 6 months, and 3 days), and the insufficient budgetary allocation to the health sector, especially following USAID’s suspension of funding for crucial programs.
Concluding his address, he touched upon the pervasive issue of gender-based violence and lauded the Delta State Governor’s M.O.R.E. agenda.
He also urged for a peaceful resolution to the recent ward delineation disputes in the Warri Federal Constituency to prevent a recurrence of past conflicts.
