The Anglican Diocese of Jebba has pleaded with the government to intensify efforts in securing the release of residents of Kwara State who were kidnapped in the last couple of months.
The diocese made the plea in a communiqué issued after the first session of its seventh synod, which took place at the Cathedral Church of St. Peter, Jebba, Kwara State, from August 1 to August 2.
The synod, with the theme “Choose Life and Live,” was presided over by the Diocesan Bishop and President of the Synod, The Rt. Rev. Dr. Oluwaseun Adeyinka Aderogba, and was attended by priests, delegates from across the diocese, and dignitaries from across the country.
In the communiqué, which was signed by the Diocesan, The Rt. Rev. Aderogba; its Chancellor, Hon. Justice O. Adekeye; and the Synod Secretary, The Ven. Ebenezer O. Onabanjo, the synod expressed grave concern over persistent insecurity across several communities in Kwara State and demanded urgent and decisive action from the government.
It urged governments at all levels to intensify security operations, strengthen intelligence gathering, improve collaboration among security agencies, and ensure the immediate rescue of all kidnapped victims from Woro Community (Kaiama Local Government Area), Ikerin-Opin (Ekiti Local Government Area), the recent ones at Lata Nna (Patigi Local Government Area), and other affected victims still in captivity.
The synod also advocated that communities be encouraged to utilize every recognized security arrangement capable of safeguarding lives and property.
Road Rehabilitation
The synod appreciated the Governor, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, for the various developmental initiatives currently being undertaken across the state under his leadership.
It, however, called on the governor to ensure the reconstruction of the Share–Patigi Road, which has become hazardous to commuters, and the prompt execution of the Jebba–Bacita–Shonga Road project.
The synod also urged the governor to ensure the equitable distribution of developmental projects and to extend these efforts to the Kwara North Senatorial District.
Forthcoming Elections
On the forthcoming elections in Osun State, the synod urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies, and all relevant stakeholders to guarantee free, fair, peaceful, transparent, and credible elections in which the will of the electorate shall prevail.
It commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for supporting the establishment of state police, expressing confidence that its successful implementation will significantly enhance community policing and strengthen the nation’s security architecture.
It admonished political office seekers to conduct their campaigns with maturity and eschew all forms of rhetoric capable of heating up the polity.
Regarding the anti-bus evangelism bill, the synod stated that it would undermine constitutional rights to freedom of worship, religious expression, and the peaceful propagation of one’s faith.
Theme of the Synod
Reflecting on the theme of the synod, the delegates affirmed that God’s dealings with humanity have always been founded upon the principle of responsible choice.
The communiqué reads: “From the Garden of Eden to Moses’ farewell address at the Plains of Moab, Scripture consistently presents mankind with the opportunity to choose either obedience leading to life or disobedience resulting in destruction.
”This timeless message remains profoundly relevant to Christians today, especially in an age characterized by moral decadence, increasing secularism, materialism, and spiritual compromise.”
Drawing attention to the teachings of Jesus Christ in Matthew 7:13–14, the synod declared that eternal life is neither accidental nor automatic, but the consequence of a deliberate and personal decision to follow Christ faithfully.
The synod urged Christians to remain steadfast in their commitment to biblical truth, resist every form of compromise, and uphold righteousness in both private and public life.