Archbishop 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 country. During an interview on ARISE News on March 9, 2024, he emphasized that the authorities are aware of the individuals behind the rampant killings and abductions, urging them to take immediate action to protect citizens.

In his remarks, Cardinal Onayekan highlighted the alarming frequency of violence, describing it as a clear indication of governance failure and a lack of decisive leadership. He stated, “Nobody can counteract that Nigerians are being killed. They are being killed. And we believe the government knows who are those killing Nigerians.” His comments reflect a growing frustration among the populace regarding the government’s response to security challenges. “What is happening right now should not be happening,” he added, stressing that ordinary citizens should not live in fear while traveling.

The Cardinal warned that public patience is waning and called for an urgent need to safeguard lives. “There’s no more room for excuses,” he insisted, demanding that the government “name, shame, and deal with all the supporters, the financiers of terrorism in Nigeria.” He criticized the government’s narrative that progress is being made, urging officials to acknowledge the reality of widespread insecurity.

“Let the government agree. Instead of all the time defending itself, denial, there is nothing wrong in Nigeria. There’s nothing here that is not happening anywhere else. That’s not helping us at all,” he stated. The Archbishop reminded federal authorities of their responsibilities to the citizens who placed their trust in them through voting, declaring, “Do the work. Keep us safe.”

In response to inquiries about international concerns, including statements from the United States, Onayekan acknowledged that external partnerships are acceptable, but only when a government admits it can no longer manage its internal crises. “Obviously, there’s nothing wrong for Nigeria to seek partnership with other countries to deal with a problem that is beyond their control,” he noted. Yet, he questioned the capabilities of Nigeria’s security agencies, expressing doubt about their inability to resolve the ongoing crisis.

The Archbishop lamented the persistent attacks in various states, including Plateau, Kaduna, and Niger, as well as in the Federal Capital Territory. He warned that the current climate of fear and anxiety among Nigerians must be addressed without political calculation. “They will stop boasting. And they will stop politicking,” he urged, emphasizing that leaders should focus on immediate safety rather than upcoming elections.

Addressing claims of genocide raised internationally, Onayekan stated that those who feel targeted have the right to voice their concerns. “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 said. He further rejected the notion that Nigeria is an Islamic state, firmly stating, “Nigeria is not one of them.”

The Cardinal called for unity among both Christian and Muslim leaders to combat extremist groups. He asserted that those who commit violence in the name of Islam should be addressed primarily by the Muslim community. Onayekan condemned the prevailing impunity, criticizing the government’s response to violence and displacement, and urged an end to the construction of internally displaced persons (IDP) camps without reclaiming occupied territories. “That should stop,” he said.

Onayekan expressed disappointment over the tendency to wait for international pressure before taking action. “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,” he remarked. He concluded by advocating for a collective response to violence, stating, “Christians and Muslims are being killed, and that should not happen. We should put our heads together as one nation and tackle those who are making our country unlivable.”