Cardinal Onayekan Urges Nigerian Government to Act on Violence

Archbishop Emeritus of the Abuja Catholic Archdiocese, John Cardinal Onayekan, has issued a stark warning to the Nigerian government regarding the escalating violence in the nation. During an interview on ARISE News on Saturday, Cardinal Onayekan stated that the government is aware of the individuals behind the killings and abductions that have plagued the country, and he called for immediate action to ensure the safety of its citizens.

The Cardinal emphasized that the current state of insecurity signifies a failure of governance and a lack of effective leadership. He expressed frustration at the ongoing violence, stating, “Nobody can counteract that Nigerians are being killed. They are being killed. And we believe the government knows who are those killing Nigerians.” His remarks reflect a growing impatience among the populace, as ordinary citizens face daily threats while traveling and attending schools.

Onayekan urged government officials to “name, shame and deal with all the supporters, the financiers of terrorism in Nigeria,” stressing that there is “no more room for excuses.” He criticized the administration’s claims of progress, arguing that such assertions do not align with the realities faced by many Nigerians. “The truth should be out that these are not correct,” he said, urging the government to acknowledge the pervasive insecurity rather than remaining in denial.

He pointed out that the federal authorities cannot absolve themselves of responsibility, reminding officials that they were elected to protect the citizens who voted for them. “Do the work. Keep us safe,” he insisted. The Archbishop’s comments come amid rising international concern over Nigeria’s security situation, including statements from the United States.

While acknowledging the potential for external partnerships to address security issues, Onayekan noted that such measures should only be sought when the government admits it can no longer manage the situation. “But before that can happen, the government will have to agree that it is beyond their control,” he added. He expressed skepticism regarding the capability of Nigeria’s security agencies to handle the crisis, stating, “I am not so sure that our Nigerian government, with our armed forces, are incapable of dealing with this matter.”

In his comments, Onayekan highlighted the persistent attacks in various regions, including Plateau, Kaduna, Niger, and the Federal Capital Territory. He warned that the current atmosphere has left many Nigerians “living in fear and anxieties.” He urged the government to focus on immediate security concerns rather than future political calculations surrounding the elections of 2025, 2026, and 2027.

On the topic of international claims of genocide, the Cardinal asserted that individuals who feel targeted have every right to raise their voices. “If anybody says that he is being killed, and he has evidence of his people being killed, I don’t think it is helpful to say he should not talk or that he should not complain,” he remarked. He emphasized the need for both Christian and Muslim leaders to collaborate in combating extremism, suggesting that those who claim to act in the name of Islam can best be addressed by the Muslim community.

In his condemnation of the status quo, Onayekan criticized the impunity surrounding violent acts, where perpetrators often escape accountability while displaced communities are left without recourse. “That should stop. That should stop,” he insisted.

He also lamented the tendency to await international pressure before taking action, stating, “For me, it is a shame on Nigeria that we have to wait for Trump to make noise before we begin to look at the reality that we see all around us.”

In conclusion, Cardinal Onayekan called for unity among religious and political factions, emphasizing the shared suffering of both Christians and Muslims in the country. “We should put our heads together as one nation and tackle those who are making our country unlivable,” he asserted, underscoring the urgent need for concerted action to address Nigeria’s security crisis.