‘Stop reintegrating repentant terrorists’ – Anglican Bishop Ike urges Nigerian Govt
Anglican Bishop Calls for End to Rehabilitation of Terrorists
ENUGU, Nigeria — Rt. Rev. Prof. Samuel Obiajulu Ike, the Anglican Bishop of Enugu Diocese, has urged the Nigerian Federal Government to cease its program aimed at reintegrating individuals identified as repentant terrorists.
Bishop Ike made this appeal during his presidential address at the third session of the 19th Synod, held on Friday at St. Peter’s Anglican Church in Ogbete, Enugu.
He called on President Bola Tinubu to terminate the reintegration of these individuals into key sectors of society, advocating instead for the prosecution of those involved in terrorist activities. “Those responsible for killings and violent crimes must face justice,” he stated.
The bishop expressed concern regarding Nigeria’s escalating insecurity, noting that, despite a significant allocation of N5.41 trillion for security and defense in the proposed N58.47 trillion 2026 budget, there has been no discernible improvement in safety across the nation.
Addressing broader issues, Bishop Ike criticized the policy of rehabilitating terrorists, contending that it undermines justice in a society where individuals have faced severe penalties for defending themselves against such crimes. “In a society where a man is sentenced to death for defending himself against terrorists and another is prosecuted for stealing a goat, terrorists must also be made to face trial for their heinous crimes,” he remarked.
He further urged the President to take action against cabinet members he described as sympathetic to terrorist causes and suggested that Boko Haram members should be referred to unequivocally as terrorists rather than “insurgents.”
Bishop Ike also called for government intervention in regulating social media platforms purportedly employed by terrorist groups to disseminate propaganda and instill fear.
The bishop highlighted the alarming frequency of violence, citing reports of over 1,100 kidnappings in the first quarter of 2026 alone, along with significant loss of life in attacks across Plateau, Benue, and Kaduna states. He questioned the efficacy of substantial investments in military resources and equipment, emphasizing that citizens deserve enhanced security measures.
“The protection of Nigerians must be prioritized. The upcoming 2027 elections are at risk if the government does not ensure the safety of its citizens,” he asserted.
Turning to economic issues, Bishop Ike criticized the government’s continued borrowing practices, which he views as inconsistent with President Tinubu’s earlier commitment to cease borrowing for capital projects after reaching certain revenue goals. He noted that despite the ambitious N58.47 trillion budget, the Senate approved a new $6 billion loan in March to address the 2025 budget deficit.
He described the prevailing economic situation as ironic, questioning how borrowed funds are utilized while inflation persists and the naira depreciates, leading to increasing poverty levels. “There is increased pain, poverty, and hunger in the land. Nigerians are disillusioned and disenchanted,” he stated, calling for a reevaluation of policies to deliver meaningful benefits to the populace.
Bishop Ike also expressed disappointment in the deteriorating electricity supply, which has worsened even after a recent tariff increase. He reminded the President of his 2023 promise to provide reliable electricity, asserting that now is the time to fulfill that commitment, particularly after the approval of N3.3 trillion to address longstanding debts in the power sector. He criticized the government’s investment in a N10 billion solar power project at Aso Rock, asserting it has further eroded public trust in its intentions to improve electricity access for ordinary Nigerians.
