Cleric seeks constitutional reform, unity to tackle insecurity in S/West

The Founder and Planter of Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) Adamimogo Grace of Mercy Prayer Mountain Worldwide, Prophet Sam Olu-Alo, has called for greater unity among stakeholders as a crucial step towards addressing the growing insecurity in Nigeria’s South-West region. The cleric said collective action, stronger security architecture, constitutional reforms, and improved community participation are necessary […]

The Founder and Planter of Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) Adamimogo Grace of Mercy Prayer Mountain Worldwide, Prophet Sam Olu-Alo, has called for greater unity among stakeholders as a crucial step towards addressing the growing insecurity in Nigeria’s South-West region.

The cleric said collective action, stronger security architecture, constitutional reforms, and improved community participation are necessary to curb the rising cases of kidnapping and other criminal activities across the region.

Speaking during an interview on national issues, Prophet Olu-Alo attributed the worsening security situation to weaknesses in governance, gaps in security coordination, and other factors that have contributed to criminal activities across the country.

According to him, intensified military operations against insurgents and other criminal groups in parts of northern Nigeria may have contributed to the movement of some criminal elements into other regions, including the South-West.

“The weakest point for security in Nigeria today is the South-West. Unlike the North, where open terrain makes it easier for security agencies to track criminals, the South is covered by thick forests that provide hiding places for criminal elements. However, this challenge can be overcome if we work collectively,” he said.

He noted that kidnapping has become a lucrative criminal enterprise because of the huge ransoms demanded by abductors, while weak legal sanctions have further emboldened offenders.

“Our laws are too weak to deal with kidnappers. The punishment is often imprisonment, and even that takes years because of delays in the judicial process. There is an urgent need to strengthen our laws and amend relevant sections of the Constitution to address present-day security challenges,” he stated.

Prophet Olu-Alo stressed that anyone found by the appropriate authorities to be aiding criminal activities should be held accountable in accordance with the law.

“Anyone who knowingly assists criminal activities, whether by providing information, shelter, logistics, or other forms of support, should be held accountable under the law. Security is everyone’s responsibility,” he said.

On the role of technology in combating insecurity, the cleric advocated improved data management, surveillance systems, and the deployment of modern security tools.

He described the lack of accurate population data as a major challenge to effective security planning and urged government authorities to embrace technological solutions similar to those being used in developed countries.

“In developed countries, technology is deployed extensively to combat terrorism. They use drones, surveillance systems, and advanced intelligence gathering. We can achieve the same if there is sufficient political will. Accurate data is essential for proper security planning and resource allocation,” he said.

Prophet Olu-Alo also called for the installation of CCTV cameras in strategic locations while urging authorities to ensure that justice is applied fairly and consistently.

Commenting on community security initiatives, he praised the role of local hunters and vigilante groups, describing them as important partners in tackling insecurity.

He recalled that prominent Yoruba activists had raised concerns in the past about security threats in the South-West and urged regional leaders to put aside political and religious differences in the interest of public safety.

“Rather than being divided by religion and politics, our people should unite against a common challenge. The fight against insecurity requires the involvement of everyone,” he said.

Drawing lessons from the biblical account of Nehemiah, the cleric stressed that security is a shared responsibility involving government, security agencies, religious leaders, community leaders, and citizens.

“The security agencies have their role. Religious leaders have their role. Community leaders, local hunters, and ordinary citizens also have responsibilities. We must report suspicious movements and activities to security agencies. Security is a collective responsibility,” he added.

Prophet Olu-Alo further urged Nigerians to prioritise leadership qualities over political affiliations when electing public office holders.

“What Nigeria needs today are leaders, not merely politicians. Politicians make promises, but leaders fulfil them. Many of our challenges persist because genuine leadership has been overwhelmed by politics,” he said.

He called on governments at all levels to strengthen security institutions, support community-based intelligence gathering, and promote unity among citizens as part of efforts to restore peace and safety across the country.