By Olivia Obijiaku
The Catholic Bishop of Zaria, Most Rev Dr. Habila Tyiakonaboi Daboh has charged Nigerian leaders to ensure the protection of the lives of citizens and their properties. Giving this charge through his Easter Message of 2025, the spiritual leader lamented the incessant hunger and insecurity in the country, referencing the recent massacre in Plateau State.
He acknowledged that the present government’s investment in infrastructure and agriculture, could yield seeds of future growth if properly managed, but noted that poor communication, mismanagement, cronyism, and absence of genuine empathy for the suffering masses have continued to overshadow such efforts.
“We are an Easter people and our song is Alleluia!” His Lordship professed. “Yet, amidst this joy, we are not blind to the immense challenges facing our nation. Insecurity continues to ravage our communities. Armed banditry, kidnapping, and terrorism have driven people from their ancestral homes and robbed them of their peace and dignity.”
“It is utterly disheartening that our leaders lack the political will to decisively protect the lives and property of citizens. In places like Plateau State and beyond, innocent Nigerians are slaughtered, homes are razed, and communities are displaced. What we hear from our leaders is routine condemnations with no meaningful actions.”
“Despite various investments in agriculture, insecurity has rendered farmers helpless. Terrorists and kidnappers continue to attack farming communities, making cultivation nearly impossible. Consequently, food production is crippled, the agricultural value chain disrupted, and food insecurity has reached disturbing levels. Until our farmlands are safe, the dream of agricultural self-sufficiency remains just a dream.”
“Every drop of blood shed is sacred, for only God gives life, and no one has the right to take it. The loss of any human life, no matter their background, should grieve the soul of our nation. The government must rise to its divine and constitutional responsibility to secure the lives and welfare of its people. Just as the Resurrection gave hope to a discouraged people, our leaders must now rise to offer the same hope to a broken nation.”
Bishop Daboh who observed that subsidy removal and naira devaluation have continued to hurt the most vulnerable, without sufficient protection from the state, submitted that, “Leadership must return to integrity and servant-hearted governance.”
