Security Concerns: Anglican Bishop Calls on Government to Empower Neighborhood Watch Groups

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The Anglican Bishop of the Missionary Diocese of Oyo South, Dr. Olufemi Familoni, has urged the government to equip local vigilance groups with sophisticated weapons in the face of the prevailing insecurity in the country.

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​He gave the advice on Sunday shortly after the ordination service for deacons, canons, archdeacons, and the sub-dean in the diocese.

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​The bishop, who was worried about the increasing loss of lives due to banditry and kidnapping, said the government should increase its support for these local vigilance groups because they have proved to be more effective in their fight against insurgency.

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​”The Amotekun security force, from reports, has helped to curb many cases of banditry. These local vigilance groups should be equipped and trained to use sophisticated weapons to combat these criminals in our bushes and forests.

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“The killings in Nigeria are becoming really unbearable. We can’t continue as a nation like this. Our military is being overwhelmed. It’s time to encourage local groups to help and support in fighting insurgents,” he said.

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The cleric also noted that the police and the Nigerian armed forces have recently stepped up their efforts, a development he described as highly commendable.

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“I think more can still be done to encourage the police and other security agencies to be more involved in curbing insecurity in the land.

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“Recently, they have shown some bravery and have proved to be effective. I urge the Government to give them more support,” he said.

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​Familoni also expressed the belief that the government is working in the background to ensure the release of the kidnapped Oyo students and teachers.

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“We are eagerly waiting and praying that our children and teachers will be rescued from the bush. The situation is becoming so disturbing. We are praying. But we are also urging the government not to relent in its efforts. Let there be political will to curb this menace,” he said.

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​He warned the government and Nigerians against politicizing security issues.

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“Human lives are too precious to be reduced to politics.

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“The security forces should be empowered and given all the support they need to combat this menace,” he pleaded.

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​Earlier in the church service, the Bishop Missioner of the Church of Nigeria, The Rt. Rev. Akorede Okuyelu, called on all the newly ordained deacons, canons, archdeacons, and the newly installed sub-dean of the cathedral to take up the challenge of ministry.

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​He said, “Ministry work will come with a lot of persecution. But for those who have been genuinely called by God, they will not be afraid of the odds.

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“They will confront the forces of darkness with a conviction that God will see them through.”

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​Okuyelu, who admitted he once thought pastoral work was for the lazy, said he has since realized that only diligent, committed people can do well in ministry.

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​He urged the deacons and archdeacons to always stay at their duty posts and preach the whole counsel of God. “Do the work of an evangelist. Preach the whole truth of the word of God. Keep your vision alive and be focused,” he said.

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​While noting that many people call themselves into ministry without God’s approval, he said, “Those who have been called by God will be rewarded by God. He is a rewarder of those who serve Him.”

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​At the event, Ebenezer Ayeni was presented as the Sub-Dean of the Cathedral, while Dr. Daniel Fakogbe was collated as Archdeacon.

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Those who were instituted and installed as statutory canons include Dr. Olusegun Ojelakin, Dr. Samuel Obafemi, and Michael Adewoyin.

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​The newly ordained deacons include Israel Obanla, John Okewale, and Abiodun Olarinre. Others were Alaba Akinlabi and Philip Fadeyi.

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