A Catholic priest, Reverend Father Jonathan Ayemoba, has urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to adopt a more decisive approach in tackling insurgency by seeking foreign military support and advanced technological assistance to stem Nigeria’s worsening insecurity.
Fr. Ayemoba, the Provincial Secretary of the Holy Ghost Fathers and Brothers in the South-West Province, made the call during an interview at the Spiritans Sound Outreach programme held at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Igbogila, in Ayobo-Ipaja LCDA. The 2025 edition of the annual youth-focused event was themed “Treasures Unveiled.”
The cleric expressed serious concern over the rising cases of killings, kidnappings and violent attacks across the country, saying many Nigerians, especially in the northern region, now live in constant fear.
“Today, it is scary even to travel. We hear news of killings all the time. People are no longer safe,” he said. “When you look critically, you may conclude it is Christian genocide, though other religions are also affected.”
He faulted what he described as the government’s passive response to the crisis, insisting that repeated condemnations without action only embolden criminal groups.
“If you sit in the Villa and only condemn it, it solves nothing. What terrorists want is for the government to confront them with action,” he warned.
Fr. Ayemoba said the Federal Government must demonstrate urgency by seeking international military partnerships and technological collaboration if it hopes to restore peace.
“The government should engage the international community. The primary duty of any government is to protect lives and property. If we cannot achieve that, then we have failed our people,” he said.
Commenting on the controversial statement by former U.S. President Donald Trump, who offered military intervention to halt killings in Nigeria, the cleric said he supports foreign assistance but rejected any approach that undermines Nigeria’s sovereignty.
“Yes, I support U.S. military help, but not the way it was presented as if Nigeria has no sovereignty. What I recommend is a proactive partnership initiated by our own President,” he explained.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Organising Committee, Mr. Stephen Imereti, said the Spiritans Sound Outreach was created to discover, showcase and nurture promising young Catholic talents, while strengthening their creativity and spiritual foundation.
This year’s event featured dance performances, award presentations to 10 individuals including young creators, and an interactive session on artificial intelligence, focusing on how digital tools can enhance ministry while encouraging youths not to neglect their human creativity and spiritual grounding.
It also included discussions on youth development, moral responsibility, and the role of faith in navigating modern technological advances.