Ondo Bishop raises alarm over rising kidnappings, questions govt commitment

The Catholic Bishop of Ondo Diocese, Jude Arogundade, has voiced strong concern over the worsening security situation in Ondo State, urging Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa to take decisive action to curb the growing wave of kidnappings and criminal activities.

His remarks come in the wake of a recent incident in Akure, where three individuals were attacked and abducted by suspected criminals at the Comprehensive Health Centre in the Oke Ijebu area during the early hours of Saturday. The victims were later abandoned in a bush along the Ondo-Akure expressway after money was withdrawn from their bank accounts, and were subsequently rescued by operatives of the state’s security outfit, Amotekun.

Speaking on Sunday after a Palm Sunday Mass at the Sacred Heart Cathedral in Akure, Bishop Arogundade criticised both the state and federal governments, insisting that more must be done to safeguard lives and property.

Expressing frustration over the rising cases of kidnapping, he warned that criminal elements were gradually infiltrating the state capital and called for more proactive leadership.

He said, “I don’t think our government is serious again. I will just say that because if you look at our town here in Akure, Akure is being invaded. These strange people are coming in—where are they coming from? And the government will say they don’t know what is going on?

“They (strange people) are particularly taking hold of strategic places, and everybody is looking helpless, until they begin to strike and kill people again, before people begin to react. The person who is supposed to preside over the security of Nigeria just said last week that these terrorists are prodigals. My goodness, how do you minimise the enormity of what these guys have done against this country?

“They have practically declared war against Nigeria, its government, and all the law-abiding citizens of this country. And you call them prodigal sons? The prodigal son in the Bible didn’t kill his father, nor did he kill his brother to take over property. The prodigal son went, he lost everything, and he was caring for the swine. He didn’t kill the owner of the swine to take over everything.

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“So, please, in a civilised country, that man should resign. What kind of nonsense is that? We lost 41 people here in my diocese, and those who killed them are prodigal sons? I don’t think this country is serious. We Nigerians say they don’t know what is going on. It’s getting to that time when we have to ask the obvious question.”

The cleric urged citizens to remain prayerful and vigilant, while stressing that government must take responsibility for ensuring security.

“We have to pray—that is our duty as Christians. We have to pray, but at the same time, the government has to take responsibility. Not until people say, it has become… I used to be one of those who doubted whether this is really a genocide. It’s going on, and it’s sweeping. We see them on Facebook, we see them on all social media and other media outlets. So, it’s getting to that time when we have to come together and talk about this situation.

“Within one year, not even up to one year, Akure has been invaded, and the government will tell you they don’t know about it? Even the small child in the street knows what is going on. This is the only country where you have a situation where unbelievable things are happening,” he added.

Reflecting on the significance of Palm Sunday, Bishop Arogundade explained that the celebration marks the triumphant entry of Jesus Christ into Jerusalem and the beginning of the Holy Week.

“Who have suffered with Him, who have journeyed with Him, will rise with Him into glory. This is the teaching of Christianity: that in participating in His life and death, we will also participate and be part of His life and resurrection.

“So, Palm Sunday begins the Holy Week, in which everyone is called to a deeper consciousness of the part that our Lord Jesus Christ played, and continues to play, in human salvation”, he concluded.

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