Senior Anglican church leader condemns surge in terrorist activities, skyrocketing cost of crude oil

Rt. Rev. Prof. Samuel Ike, the Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Enugu, has sharply criticized the escalating terrorism and killings in various parts of the country, urging the government to take immediate action to address the situation.

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He also expressed deep concern over the persistent increase in petroleum product prices in Nigeria, calling for swift government intervention to mitigate the effects on citizens.

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In his 2026 Easter Message, Bishop Ike emphasized the need for what he termed "national repentance" in the face of the country's deteriorating security situation, citing Nigeria's ranking as the fourth most terrorized nation globally in the recent Global Terrorism Index report.

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The cleric lamented the continued loss of lives due to terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, and other violent crimes, stressing that such bloodshed is in stark contrast to the sacrificial love exemplified by Jesus Christ.

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Bishop Ike stated that the incessant shedding of human blood and wanton destruction of lives is unacceptable, emphasizing that the sacrifice of Christ teaches compassion, love, and peaceful coexistence.

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The Bishop questioned the effectiveness of the government's security architecture, including the deployment of digital surveillance, drone intelligence, and Tucano jets, as well as the delayed implementation of state policing.

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He also criticized the government's excessive spending on foreign lobbying, suggesting that the funds could be better utilized to address the root causes of insecurity.

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On the economic front, Bishop Ike decried the sharp rise in fuel prices, noting that petrol currently sells between ₦1,350 and ₦1,410 per litre, while diesel is about ₦1,820 per litre.

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He linked the surge in fuel prices to the ongoing Middle East conflict but questioned the state of Nigeria's refineries despite huge investments in their rehabilitation, asking "Where are our functional refineries? What has become of the funds committed to their turnaround?"

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Delivering a message of hope, Bishop Ike called on Nigerians to embrace the virtues of love, sacrifice, humility, and selfless leadership as exemplified during the Holy Week.

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He explained that the season, starting from Palm Sunday through Maundy Thursday and Good Friday to Easter Sunday, represents the core of the Christian faith, culminating in the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

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According to Bishop Ike, the resurrection is a powerful symbol of victory over suffering, sin, and death, offering hope for personal and national transformation.

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He urged leaders at all levels to adopt servant leadership, promote unity across ethnic and social divides, and prioritize the welfare of the poor and vulnerable.

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Bishop Ike emphasized that the message of Easter is clear: through sacrifice, love, and faith, individuals and the nation can overcome even the darkest challenges.

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The Bishop concluded with a call for peace, urging Nigerians to surrender to God, embrace tolerance, and work collectively toward rebuilding the country.