A cleric of the Christ Apostolic Church (CAC), Prophet Ade Ologbonyo, has recounted his personal encounter with armed bandits and called on the Federal Government to intensify efforts to curb rising insecurity across Nigeria.
In a statement titled “The Scourge of Insecurity: A Prophet’s Cry Against Banditry,” Ologbonyo expressed concern over the recent attack on a CAC assembly in Eruku, Kwara State, where several worshippers were killed and others, including the pastor, abducted.
He described the tragedy as “a painful reminder of a national security breakdown,” noting that places of worship, which should serve as sanctuaries, “have now become soft targets.”
“My heart is heavy, not just as a pastor but as a Nigerian who has seen this evil firsthand,” he said, adding that watching the video of the Eruku attack revived painful memories of his own experience.
Ologbonyo recalled the night of July 8, 2017, in Abuja, when armed bandits stormed his church around 2:00 a.m. During the attack, the assailants fired multiple rounds, shattered windows, robbed worshippers, and kidnapped an elder for whom they later demanded a ₦50 million ransom.
“I stood face-to-face with a young bandit who shot at me five times with an AK-47,” he said. “The terror that gripped the congregation that night is something I will never forget.”
Although no life was lost during his encounter, Ologbonyo said the incident highlighted the extent to which criminal gangs operate freely and with impunity.
“The fact that they could attack, kidnap, demand ransom, and escape without resistance shows a failure in our security architecture,” he stated.
He described the recent Eruku attack, the abduction of more than 25 schoolgirls in Kebbi State, and the killing of Brigadier General M. Uba in Borno State as indications of a deepening crisis.
“When criminals can attack churches, abduct students, and even target senior military officers, it is clear the menace is not contained,” he said.
Ologbonyo urged the government to take decisive action to protect citizens, stressing, “We cannot continue to rely on miracles to cover up systemic failures.” He called for intelligence-driven security operations, support for community-based vigilance structures, and strict control of illegal weapons.
“The primary responsibility of government is the protection of lives and property,” he added. “Nigerians, especially those gathered in prayer, deserve to feel safe.”
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