The Executive Secretary of the Nigeria Christian Pilgrims Commission and Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria, Bishop Stephen Adegbite, has called on Nigerians to remain hopeful despite growing security challenges in the country, while condemning the gruesome killing of a Mathematics teacher during the recent kidnapping incident in Oyo State.
Speaking at a press conference in Lagos on Thursday, Adegbite described the murder as wicked and inhuman, stressing that criminal elements behind kidnappings and killings should not be linked to any genuine religion.
“We are particularly saddened by the gruesome killing of a Mathematics teacher, Mr Michael Oyedokun during the unfortunate Oyo kidnapping saga. Such an inhuman act further confirms that the perpetrators are agents of evil and enemies of humanity, not representatives of any true religious teaching or value system,” he said.
The CAN chairman extended condolences to the family of the slain teacher, his colleagues, students and the wider education community, while expressing confidence that the Federal Government would intensify efforts to bring perpetrators to justice.
“We strongly believe that the government will not allow his death, and the deaths of other innocent Nigerians lost to insecurity, to be in vain,” he added.
Adegbite acknowledged rising concerns over insecurity, kidnappings and attacks in parts of the country, including the abduction of schoolchildren in Oyo State, but urged Nigerians not to lose faith in the ability of security agencies to address the situation.
According to him, the administration of President Bola Tinubu is implementing strategic security measures that may not always be disclosed publicly for operational reasons.
He also commended the recent appointment of a Special Adviser on Homeland Security, describing it as a positive step toward strengthening intelligence gathering, coordination and national response mechanisms.
While affirming the constitutional rights of Nigerians to peaceful protest and freedom of expression, the cleric warned against attempts to use protests as instruments for political destabilisation or unlawful power grabs.
“Democracy thrives when citizens can freely express themselves within the law. However, protests should not become instruments of political destabilisation, incitement or attempts to seize power unlawfully,” he cautioned.
Adegbite called for restraint, dialogue and patriotism among political actors and citizens, stressing that national unity and stability must remain paramount.
The cleric also threw his weight behind the decision of the All Progressives Congress to grant President Tinubu the party’s presidential ticket for a second term, describing the move as necessary for continuity and consolidation of ongoing reforms.
“We consider this a step in the right direction for continuity, stability and the consolidation of ongoing reforms and laudable policies aimed at repositioning Nigeria for sustainable growth and development,” he stated.
Adegbite further congratulated Kadri Obafemi Hamzat on his emergence as the consensus governorship candidate of the APC in Lagos State, describing him as an experienced technocrat and committed public servant.
According to him, Hamzat’s years of service under Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu have prepared him to sustain Lagos State’s development trajectory.
“Lagos remains a model of innovation, infrastructure growth and economic transformation in Nigeria, and we trust that the next phase of leadership will continue to prioritise competence, inclusiveness and service to the people,” he said.
The CAN chairman urged Nigerians to remain united regardless of political, ethnic or religious differences, expressing optimism that the country would overcome its present challenges.
“Nigeria shall overcome its present challenges and emerge stronger by the grace of God,” he declared.