Ondo cleric leads protest over insecurity, blames government failure (Video)

A prominent cleric in Ondo State has accused governments at all levels of failing in their constitutional duty to protect Nigerians, as he led a large street protest in Akure over rising cases of killings and abductions across the country.

The protest was spearheaded by Prophet Samson Oluwamodede, General Overseer of the Prayer Centre Church of God (PCCG), during a “Prayer Walk Against Insecurity” that brought parts of the Ondo State capital to a standstill for several hours.

Hundreds of worshippers joined the demonstration, marching through major roads with placards bearing messages such as “Stop Terrorism, Save Our Children,” “End Banditry in Nigeria,” and “Lord Restore Our Economy.”

Addressing journalists during the march, Oluwamodede said religious leaders could no longer remain silent amid what he described as worsening insecurity, citing recent mass abductions, including the kidnapping of more than 40 students and teachers in neighbouring Oyo State.

“I cannot sit here silently and watch what is happening in Nigeria,” he said. “There are killings everywhere, bloodshed, kidnappings… the government has tried its best, but they failed. If the government has failed, God will not fail us.”

He added that many citizens feel abandoned, arguing that political leaders are often detached from the realities faced by ordinary Nigerians.

“You can only tell the truth to a government that is willing to listen,” he said. “Even if they are ready to listen, where is the access to them?”

The protest reflects a growing wave of concern within religious circles in Ondo State over the security situation in the country.

At a separate gathering in Ibule Soro, leaders of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) also criticised what they described as political exploitation of security failures.

Bishop Felix Adejumo of Agape Christian Ministries urged leaders to take responsibility and avoid politicising insecurity, warning that “the blood that is shed in this nation is crying daily.”

The Catholic Bishop of Ondo, Most Rev. Jude Arogundade, also called for stronger investigations and prosecutions of individuals suspected of funding or supporting terrorist networks, warning that fear has become widespread in rural communities.

In response to public concerns and viral warnings of possible security threats, the Ondo State Police Command said it had intensified surveillance and deployed personnel to vulnerable areas to prevent breaches of peace.

Meanwhile, the Speaker of the Ondo State House of Assembly has called for stronger collaboration between security agencies and local communities to address the rising wave of criminal activity in the state.