L-R: Very Rev. Dr. Jonathan Osin, Proto Presbyter, Methodist Church Nigeria; Rt. Rev. Oladapo Babalola, Bishop of Trinity Church Council, MCN, Lagos; His Eminence, Dr. Oliver Ali-Aba, Prelate, MCN; Rt. Rev. Dr. Abiodun Babatunde Taiwo, Secretary of Conference, MCN, and others, during the 2025 Easter Sunday Church Services at MCN in Lagos.
By Odinaka Uruakpa
Nigerians, northerners in particular, have been urged to be vigilant and security conscious, as they are told not to leave the security of their communities solely in the hands of security agents, but to also seek viable ways to provide security for themselves and the country.
This was the position of Dr. Oliver Ali-Aba, Prelate, Methodist Church Nigeria (MCN), while delivering his Easter message, during the Easter Sunday celebration held at Methodist Church, Tinubu, Lagos .
Ali-Aba condemned the attacks and killings of innocent citizens by supposed herdsmen in communities in Plateau, Benue and other States.
Said he: “The situation we find ourselves is not palatable, and it is not only located to one area. It cuts across the country. And I want to assure you that even I, who is standing before you, I am seriously involved, because I’m from Benue. And all I want to believe and to say is that, one, we have to pray, and two, just like the Bible said, we watch and pray.
“We have to be vigilant, and at this time, let all of us be security-conscious, because security agents are not the only ones that can provide security for this nation. You and I, we are also part of security officers of the land. As we are having it in Jos, so also we are having it in Benue. We have heard about Otobi-Akpa of recent, that people were at a burial, and they just came, surrounded the community, and they were just shooting at sight. You can imagine. As if that was not enough, Yandev, or somewhere around Gboko, about 100 were killed”.
The Prelate said the problem with the society was that nobody was conscious of life, adding that when these killings happen, the question people usually ask is, how many were killed?
Said he: ‘Even if it is one soul that is lost, it means much to our society, Nigeria, because I want to believe strongly that one of the things that made Nigeria to be useful and be valuable to the wider world is our population.
“When it comes economy, the whole wide world cannot do without Nigeria, because of our population.
And so I pray that we, who are the rural populace, we must be vigilant. If you suspect any movement, or any strange face, report it to the appropriate quarters, and they will deal with it decisively.
Stated the clergyman: “I read on the internet that on the killings in Akpatu, the President was saying that he was not briefed about it by the Governor of the State. Then what is that? What does that mean? So I pray that whoever, relevant agencies that have to do with the governance of our society, should be proactive, and that will help all of us to grow better”.
He wished the people well, asking them not to lose hope, and thanked God for giving them the privilege and opportunity to be alive.
Said he: “By this time last year, we were here together, and today, we are here again. And I know it’s not by our power nor our might, but purely the grace of God.
“And so to Nigerians and non-Nigerians alike, I sincerely want to congratulate all of you, and to wish you well, because I can see that there is hope. As long as Jesus lives, we will see our tomorrow. And so, let Nigerians have rest of mind, trusting that God can do it for us.
“No matter the situation we find ourselves, the society is not too comfortable. But we know that, yes, with God, all things are possible, and our situation can change for better. And we keep on hoping, and hoping for better”.
The cleric assured that God would not let His people down, adding that as He did it for people of old, He would do it this time too.
Added he: “So, let us be rest assured, as Nigerians and non-Nigerians alike, that there is hope at the end of the tunnel”.
