The Anglican Bishop of the Missionary Diocese of Oyo South, Rt. Rev. Olufemi Familoni, has urged the government to equip local vigilance groups with sophisticated weapons as part of efforts to tackle insecurity in the country.
Familoni gave the advice while speaking shortly after the ordination service for deacons, canons, archdeacons, and the sub-dean in the diocese on Sunday, June 14, 2026.
The Anglican Bishop, who expressed concern on the increasing loss of lives due to banditry and kidnapping, said the government should increase its support for these local vigilance groups because they have proved to be more effective in their fight against insurgency.
He said: “The Amotekun security force, from reports, has helped to curb many cases of banditry. These local vigilance groups should be equipped and trained to use sophisticated weapons to combat these criminals in our bushes and forests.
“The killings in Nigeria are becoming really unbearable. We can’t continue as a nation like this. Our military is being overwhelmed. It’s time to encourage local groups to help and support in fighting insurgents.”
Familoni added that the police and the Nigerian armed forces have recently stepped up their efforts, a development he described as highly commendable.
Familoni stated: “I think more can still be done to encourage the police and other security agencies to be more involved in curbing insecurity in the land.
“Recently, they have shown some bravery and have proved to be effective. I urge Government to give them more support.”
The bishop also expressed the belief that the government is working in the background to ensure the release of the students and teachers abducted by bandits in Oyo State
He said: “We are eagerly waiting and praying that our children and teachers will be rescued from the bush. The situation is becoming so disturbing. We are praying. But we are also urging the government not to relent in their efforts.”
“Let there be political will to curb this menace.”
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The bishop further warned the government and Nigerians against politicising issues about security, saying: “Human lives are too precious to be reduced to politics.
“The security forces should be empowered and given all the support they need to combat this menace.”
Earlier during the church service, the Bishop Missioner of Church of Nigeria, Rt. Rev. Akorede Okuyelu, called on all the newly ordained deacons, canons, archdeacons, and sub-dean of the cathedral to take up the challenge of ministry work.
Okuyelu said: “Ministry work will come with a lot of persecution. But for those who have been genuinely called by God, they will not be afraid of the odds.
“They will confront the forces of darkness with a conviction that God will see them through.”
He also enjoined deacons and archdeacons to always stay at their duty posts and preach the counsel of God.
“Do the work of an evangelist. Preach the whole truth of the word of God. Keep your vision alive and be focused,” the cleric added.
At the event, Ven. Ebenezer Ayeni was presented as the Sub-Dean of the Cathedral, while Ven. Daniel Fakogbe was collated as Archdeacon.
Those who were instituted and installed as statutory canons include Rev. Canon Olusegun Ojelakin, Rev. Canon Samuel Obafemi, and Rev. Canon Michael Adewoyin.
The newly ordained deacons include Israel Obanla, John Okewale, Abiodun Olarinre, Alaba Akinlabi, and Philip Fadeyi.
