By Chesa Chesa
The President, Christian Council of Nigeria and Archbishop of Owerri Province of the Anglican Communion, Most Rev. David Onuoha, has issued a stark warning that Nigeria has become “a killing field” and urged the Federal Government under President Bola Tinubu to take bolder steps to address the worsening security crisis.
In an address at the church’s 32nd Triennial General Assembly in Abuja, Rev. Onuoha urged the government to accept the offer of help from foreign nations like that of President Donald Trump of the United States of America.
The address, which also touched on economic hardship, corruption, political instability and the breakdown of trust in public institutions, reserved the strongest words for the rising wave of violence across several states.
He lamented recent attacks in Kebbi, Kwara, and Niger, questioning why communities could be sacked and occupied without accountability.
Onuoha called on the government to acknowledge the severity of the atrocities, stressing that “it is absolutely necessary that the Federal Government is bold and courageous enough to accept the reality of genocide in Nigeria.” He warned that continued denial endangers millions and undermines national stability.
He further urged authorities to welcome international assistance, including offers from the United States:
“President Trump’s desire to assist in achieving this should be welcomed with open hands,” he said, criticizing what he described as the politicization of foreign interest in helping Nigeria contain escalating terror attacks.
The cleric also raised alarm over the alleged withdrawal of security personnel shortly before the abduction of 25 schoolgirls in Maga, Kebbi State, asking, “who ordered the withdrawal?” and insisting that communities displaced by violence must be restored to their ancestral lands while the invading occupiers are flushed out.
Beyond security, Onuoha condemned continued economic hardship despite macroeconomic improvements, and criticized structural wage inequalities that leave teachers and medical workers far behind political officeholders.
He also warned that Nigeria’s democracy faces a “dangerous slide toward a one-party state”, as he wondered why politicians cannot be patient and resilient enough to resolve the challenges in their parties instead of jumping ship at the slightest challenges.
Calling justice the foundation of national survival, Onuoha concluded with an appeal for Nigeria to confront insecurity not only with force but with fairness, equity, and truth:
