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From Jude Chinedu and Geoffrey Anyanwu, Enugu
The Diocese of Enugu, Anglican Communion, has raised concern over reports of terrorists allegedly operating from forests across the South-East, warning that the growing security threat in the region requires urgent intervention from both the federal government and state governments.
The concern was part of a communiqué issued at the end of the Third Session of the 19th Synod of the Diocese, held at St. Peter’s Church, Ogbete, from June 24 to June 28, where delegates reviewed pressing national issues, security challenges and governance matters affecting both the region and the country.
The communiqué was signed by the Synod Secretary, Rev. Canon Ifeanyi Agu; Registrar Paulson C. Egbo; the Chancellor, Prof. Offornze D. Amucheazi (SAN); and the Bishop of Enugu Diocese, Samuel Obiajulu Ike, who presided over the gathering.
In the communiqué, the church said reports about terrorists hiding in forests within South-East states should not be ignored, urging authorities to act before the situation spirals out of control.
“The Synod notes with serious concern reports of terrorists operating within forests in the South-East and urges both the federal government and governments in the region to immediately take steps to flush them out,” the church stated.
The church also expressed disappointment that despite the federal government earmarking N5.41 trillion in the 2026 budget to tackle insecurity, violent attacks, kidnappings and killings have continued across the country.
It specifically condemned the continued abduction and killing of innocent citizens, including children and teachers, while faulting the policy of reintegrating so-called repentant terrorists back into society.
The Anglican Church urged President Bola Tinubu to take a tougher stance against terrorism and ensure both perpetrators and their sponsors face severe punishment.
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“The government must deal decisively with terrorists and those backing them. Nigerians cannot continue to live in fear while criminals are being treated with leniency,” the communiqué stated.
The Synod also weighed in on the debate over attacks on Christians in Northern Nigeria, insisting that the pattern of violence clearly suggests that Christians are being deliberately targeted.
“It is obvious that Christians are intentionally being targeted for elimination in Northern Nigeria,” the church said.
On infrastructure, the church criticised the delay in completing the Eastern Rail Line connecting Port Harcourt and Maiduguri, saying the prolonged delay continues to worsen economic hardship for people, especially in the eastern part of the country.
The Synod also expressed frustration over the country’s electricity crisis, noting that nearly three years after President Tinubu promised an affordable and reliable power supply, many Nigerians still struggle with poor electricity while paying higher tariffs.
Ahead of the 2027 elections, the church warned politicians against heating up the political atmosphere unnecessarily and called on the Independent National Electoral Commission to ensure a transparent and fair process for all political parties.
While criticising the federal government on several issues, the church commended the administration of Governor Peter Mbah in Enugu State, saying the governor has continued to record noticeable progress in infrastructure, healthcare, security and education.
The church also praised the state government for responding to public complaints by reducing multiple taxes affecting residents, though it urged further reductions to ease economic pressure on citizens.
The Synod further declared zero tolerance for gender-based violence, calling on governments, civil society groups and citizens to work together to end what it described as inhumane acts against vulnerable members of society.
