The Anglican Bishop of Oleh Diocese, Delta State, Rt. Rev. John Aruakpor, has expressed deep concern over the worsening insecurity across Nigeria, warning that the unchecked activities of criminal elements are severely affecting food production and national stability.
Delivering his Bishop’s Charge at the Second Session of the Ninth Synod of the Diocese, held at St. Michael’s Anglican Church, Emevor, Isoko North LGA, the bishop lamented that insecurity in the country has become so rampant that even children can now speak about it casually—likening it to a nursery rhyme.
“The more we talk about insecurity, the worse it seems to get,” he said. “It’s tempting to think the situation has overwhelmed our security agencies. If not, then we urge all relevant authorities to demonstrate the political will and courage needed to defeat this monster.”
Bishop Aruakpor highlighted that persistent attacks by criminals have left many farmers too afraid to return to their fields, leading to a national food crisis. He decried the continued killings, maiming, rapes, and forced displacement of citizens from their ancestral lands.
Turning to the issue of flooding, the bishop called on the Federal Government to seek lasting solutions to the recurring disaster. He suggested that dredging the Rivers Niger and Benue could help mitigate the effects of seasonal floods.
“With the rains approaching, fear is mounting among coastal communities, particularly in the Niger Delta. We stand in solidarity with our brothers and sisters in Mokwa, Niger State, who recently suffered the devastating impact of flooding,” he added.
He also urged the government to find a way to regulate the release of water from dams, which often contributes to annual flooding and significant losses in affected areas.
On a positive note, Bishop Aruakpor congratulated Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State on his second anniversary in office. He praised the administration for its achievements within a short time, particularly the reduction in the state’s debt profile and progress on major projects like the Ughelli-Asaba road dualisation, the School of Health Technology in Ovrode, the College of Medical Sciences in Ozoro, and the ongoing transformation of Warri and its environs.
“We commend your efforts in ensuring quality job delivery through direct supervision and your hands-on approach to governance,” the bishop noted.
