The General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Pastor Enoch Adeboye, has expressed deep concern over Nigeria’s worsening security situation, saying terrorism and kidnapping have spread beyond the North and are now affecting the South.
Speaking during the US-Nigeria Faith Heroes Award Gala organised by the Save Nigeria Group in Washington, D.C., Adeboye said the country’s security crisis had become more personal as the violence had reached areas close to him.
“Things have gone far, far worse than before. The terrorism, kidnapping, and so on that were in the North are now even at my doorstep. They have come all the way down to the South,” he said.
The cleric alleged that those sponsoring acts of terrorism were known, but lamented that they continued to operate without being brought to justice.
Despite his concerns, Adeboye defended President Bola Tinubu against accusations that he had not done enough to address insecurity.
According to him, the President has fulfilled his constitutional responsibility by directing the military and other security agencies to confront the threat.
“I don’t support those who are accusing the President of not doing enough. When the Commander-in-Chief has given instructions to his subordinates, he has done his bit. You don’t expect him to go and put on khaki and fight,” he stated.
Drawing a comparison with the United States, Adeboye said leaders issue directives while security agencies carry out operations.
He also disclosed that he had advised President Tinubu and First Lady Oluremi Tinubu to give military commanders a 90-day deadline to eliminate terrorism or step down from their positions.
“I told him to issue directives to military officers across the armed forces and set a 90-day ultimatum: wipe out this rubbish or resign,” he said.
Adeboye further urged the government to target individuals financing terrorism, describing them as influential businessmen and politicians whose activities sustain armed groups.
“You know them. Some of them are businessmen. Some of them are politicians. Go after them. Because if you do not deal with those who are supplying these people with arms and ammunition, the problem will continue,” he added.
The RCCG leader also appealed to the United States and the international community to support Nigeria’s efforts to combat terrorism and restore lasting peace across the country.
