Terrorism: Anglican Bishop Urges More Prayers

Nigerians have been urged to intensify prayers so that terrorism in the country can be curbed. The appeal was made by the Bishop of Ijebu North Diocese, Church of Nigeria (Anglican Commun-ion), Rt. Rev. Solomon Kuponu at the silver jubilee celebration of Young Men and Women Christian Association, YMWCA, of St. John Anglican Church, Iju-Ishaga, Lagos on Tuesday. Speaking on a topic “Terror-ism as it affects social and political life of Nigeria: Christ-ian perspective”, Rev. Kuponu said, “Nigeria is a multi-religious country. The problems of Nigeria are many but the deadliest and most worrisome is terror attacks. From its inception, Boko Haram viewed Nigeria as a state run by non-believers and made the government its main target, even when the country had a Muslim president. The effect of this insurgency on the social and political life of the people cannot be over emphasized.” Rev. Kuponu added that the challenges facing Nigeria are serious, and the solutions are scarce. He warned that inviting foreign aid as solutions will compound the problem as there are only few countries with the capability to help. He suggested solutions to the menace of terrorism in Nigeria to include: “we need to intensify prayers; ban activities of Almajiris in the North.” Thuggery is rampant, espec-ially around politicians, who use political thugs to terrorize their opponents and rig elections, he said. Continuing, Rev. Kuponu urged religious leaders to stop preaching hatred, instead they should preach love and encourage followers to live in peace. According to him, Nigerian government should reach out to the poor countries where the terrorists come from and lend a helping hand. “Let them sow seed of love and people can see that there is no need for violence, provide food and medicine and their major problem will be solved. “Government should deal with corruption, poverty and hope-lessness and above all let dialogue be used to settle differences,” he stated. In his welcome address, the president of the Young Men Christian Association of St. John Anglican Church, Mr. Elijah Oni said, “the YMWCA is a non-denominational organisation committed to providing charity works.” Culled from Vanguard Newspaper