Nigeria's worsening insecurity draws church condemnation and calls for victim‑focused policies

Rev. Owen Nwokolo, bishop of the Diocese of the Niger, warned that Nigeria’s economic hardship and insecurity have become unbearable for millions. In his address to the 33rd synod, he cited soaring inflation, joblessness, business closures and frequent attacks by bandits, terrorists and kidnappers that have left countless families without food, shelter or safety. He urged the Tinubu administration to stabilise the naira, curb inflation, provide soft loans to small‑medium enterprises, invest in agriculture and fully equip security agencies to protect citizens.

A separate commentary criticized a government official’s claim that "we have forgiven" the victims of the northeastern insurgency on behalf of the nation. It argued that forgiveness is a personal matter for survivors and that policies to reintegrate former insurgents must be backed by credible evidence of genuine change, rather than relying on public statements or religious oaths. The piece called for transparent criteria and accountability in any rehabilitation programme.