INSECURITY IN NIGERIA: Christian Group Calls For Suspension of Churches Night Vigils, Immediate Review of Church Security Structures and Mobilize for A Safer Nigeria

The Apostolic Round Table (ART) has issued a statement titled “State of the Nation: Apostolic Advisory to the Church in Nigeria,” signed by its Convener, Citizen Bolaji O. Akinyemi, and addressed to church leaders, Christian organizations, educational institutions, and the broader Christian community in Nigeria.

The statement reminds the Church and its leaders that faith and wisdom are not mutually exclusive, citing the Lord Jesus’ instruction to His disciples to “be ye therefore wise as serpents and harmless as doves.”

In light of the escalating security concerns across the country, including abductions, attacks on communities and educational institutions, and growing fear, ART urges churches and ministries to review their night activities as a demonstration of wisdom rather than fear.

The statement references scriptural examples, noted that ‘The God we serve is not only the God of miracles; He is also the God of intelligence, strategy, foresight, and preservation.’

ART emphasizes the need for the Church in Nigeria to acknowledge the reality of security challenges and respond practically, rather than solely spiritualizing them. Stating that the tragedy in Ogbomosho and similar incidents across the country stands as reminders that prayer without corresponding wisdom can expose lives unnecessarily.

It further charged, “This is not a time for propaganda, time for political correctness. Neither a time for statistical gymnastics designed to minimise the pain of citizens. This is the time for honest assessment, strategic action, and national responsibility”.

The body advises churches to temporarily suspend night vigils and activities that require members to travel during vulnerable hours until local security conditions are comprehensively reviewed.

Additionally, ART recommends that churches establish and review security protocols, including access control, surveillance systems, and emergency response procedures. “A nation under siege must first secure its people”, it stated.

The organization calls on the Federal Government to prioritize security around educational institutions and for security agencies to prioritize the rescue of abducted citizens. “Every abducted Nigerian, missing child, and grieving family matters, and their recovery must be a national priority”.

While advocating practical action, ART called for national repentance, justice, righteousness, leadership accountability, and compassion towards the suffering masses.

Realizing the importance of prayers, ART stresses that prayers must be accompanied by practical action to protect and preserve lives.

In a separated open letter addressed to the leadership of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), church leaders, and Christian organizations, Prof. Ofonime Emmanuel Bassey, a retired Senior Police Officer and founder/President of NISSI Institute for Leadership, Peace and Security, commended CAN’s leadership for declaring a period of national mourning and designating a “Black Sunday” to honor the numerous Nigerians who have lost their lives to terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, and other forms of violence across the nation.

He also agreed that Nigeria’s prevailing security issues require Christians to move from mourning to mobilization for a safer Nigeria.

Citing Scripture, he opined that while prayer is crucial, faith must be accompanied by responsibility and action.

He drew parallels with Nehemiah, who prayed, organized the people, assessed risks, and rebuilt the walls despite danger. Similarly, Christians should not only lament situations but respond with wisdom, courage, and coordinated action.

Recalling the Church’s historical contributions to education, healthcare, humanitarian service, and nation-building, Prof. Emmanuel Bassey emphasized the need for a renewed commitment to peacebuilding, security awareness, and responsible citizenship in Nigeria.

He proposed eight agendas to CAN and Church leaders for consideration, including the establishment of CAN Peace and Security Committees, a Church-Based Early Warning and Response Network, a National Security Awareness Campaign, Community Peace and Security Volunteer Networks, Trauma Healing and Victim Support Programs, strengthening youth through skills training and peace club membership, and promoting accountability and community policing.

He prayed that God grant wisdom to Nigerian Church and government leaders, comfort to grieving families, protection to communities, and peace to the nation.

Prof. Emmanuel Bassey then prayed for wisdom for Nigerian Church and government leaders, comfort for grieving families, protection for communities, and peace for the nation.