The Spiritual Director of Adoration Ministry, Enugu, Nigeria (AMEN), Rev. Fr. Ejike Mbaka, has stated that state governors must be held responsible for the safety of citizens.
Naijaonpoint reports that the clergyman stated this while reacting to the abduction of teachers and pupils from schools in Oriire Local Government Area.
The abductors, who attacked three schools in Esinele, Yawota and Alawusa communities on May 15, reportedly demanded the release of detained terrorist commanders, payment of ransom, two Hilux vehicles and the implementation of Sharia-related law before freeing the captives.
Reacting to the development during a sermon, Mbaka urged the governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde, to take urgent steps to secure the victims’ release.
He argued that governors should not shift responsibility for internal security.
“The governor should do everything within his power to ensure the release of these children. Stop deceiving Nigerians by asking the President to come and find them,” he said.
The cleric also prayed for the safe return of the victims, asking for divine intervention against those behind the abduction.
Mbaka questioned the use of security votes by state governments, arguing that substantial funds are allocated to governors to address security challenges within their domains.
He also urged political leaders to focus on cooperation rather than blame-shifting in tackling insecurity, warning against politicising the issue.
The cleric concluded by calling for accountability from leaders at all levels and prayed for the safe rescue of the abducted schoolchildren.
