The Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Ijebu, Rt. Reverend Dr. Peter Oludipe, has warned that rising intolerance in northern Nigeria is providing fertile ground for banditry to flourish, describing the region’s growing acceptance of extremist influence as a key factor worsening insecurity and mass abductions across the country.
He made the comment during an exclusive interview on Frontline, a current affairs programme on Eagle 102.5 FM, Ilese Ijebu, on Thursday, where he spoke extensively on the spate of kidnapping and targeted killings that have shaken many northern communities.
His comments come amid the spate of insecurity, kidnapping and banditry across the country where over 500 people including children, teachers, farmers, worshipers and residents and foreigners in Niger, Kwara, Kebbi, Ijebu-Ode have been abducted and over 3-billion-naira ransom paid
Northern Intolerance and Its Role in Insecurity
During the interview, Bishop Oludipe lamented that some northern communities have not embraced the culture of peaceful coexistence that characterizes other parts of Nigeria, especially the southwest. According to him, intolerance has allowed violent groups to expand rapidly. He stated that,
“It is because of the level of tolerance that they enjoy in certain parts of the country, particularly in the north, that has given them a leeway into the country. And by which they are now able to almost hold the entire country into a very tight corner. If we have a good template that has worked in a particular part of the country, we should encourage our brothers and sisters, particularly in the northern part, to emulate what has worked for others. These fellows have no respect for human life and that makes it extremely dangerous for them to continue to live with us or coexist with us in the country.”
He argued that the refusal of influential voices in the north to firmly confront extremist practices has emboldened criminals. He noted that in several communities, “extremists are now controlling certain parts of the land and even imposing taxes on people when they are not the government voted into power.” He said such acts flourish only where leadership has failed to speak decisively.
Bishop Oludipe blamed the crisis partly on deep regional differences that have widened over time. He recalled comments from the interviewer who expressed concern that the north and south appear to be living as two separate worlds. Responding, the Bishop said the disparities have created a permissive environment where insecurity festers. According to him, “Nigeria is a project, and while every region has its culture and traditions, we must have policies that ensure nobody is cheated or unjustly denied their right to life wherever they live.”
Religious Killings and ‘Wake-Up Call’
The cleric also condemned the targeted killings of both Muslims and Christians in northern states. He said innocent worshippers have been attacked even inside mosques, describing such violence as “ungodly” and “highly unacceptable in any normal society.” He warned that Nigerians have started treating mass killings as routine, adding that, “people have been killed and nobody talks about it. We just read it in the newspapers and gloss over it.”
He noted that perpetrators often operate under the guise of religious extremism:
“Those who do not even belong to the Muslim faith or Christian faith too must have been affected, and of course Christians. But the challenge actually here has been the fact that those who perpetuate these killings do it in the name of being an extremist jihadist. They are doing something in the name of God. Invariably, we know that Islam is a religion of peace as everybody claims or the Quran claims it should be, but there are extremists within the sect who have always been hiding under the cloak of religion to perpetuate evil. And that’s why all of us must speak with one voice to condemn those who are criminals, who are in religious gaps, and then tell them that they do not belong to this kind of society.”
He described comments made by former United States President Donald Trump on religious persecution in Nigeria as a wake-up call, saying Nigerians must not dismiss them.
“Today, when you look at the background by which the president is describing the state of emergency or issue of security, it shows that it has become a problem. Why do we have to have a wakeup call from America before we can now begin to address this as a nation? It is because over time we have left undone the things we need to do.” He urged citizens to value the sanctity of life and pressure the government to take stronger action.
Bandits’ Tactics and Security Failures
Speaking further, Bishop Oludipe said bandits have intensified kidnappings in recent weeks because they fear that international attention on Nigeria’s security crisis may lead to stronger military operations against them. He explained that, “all these abductions are a way to get innocent citizens to use as shields in the forest, because they know they have been identified and could be wiped out if they remain where they are.”
He criticized the structure of Nigeria’s security network, stating that the system requires urgent overhaul. Citing recent incidents, he expressed shock that security operatives abandoned their positions shortly before an attack on schoolgirls in Kebbi State. “These are the issues we need to deal with. We must ensure that we have the right people in the right places within our security forces.”
Northern Leadership and Community Responsibility
The Bishop urged northern leaders to take ownership of the fight against extremism. He argued that only respected figures in the region can effectively persuade misguided youths and militants to abandon criminal ideologies.
“Our brothers in the north must emulate the virtues of unity and brotherliness that we enjoy in the southwest,” he said. He added that Christians and Muslims in the region “live together harmoniously, intermarry and support one another,” insisting that the same approach can strengthen peace elsewhere.
Declaration of Nationwide State of Emergency
Speaking on the president’s recent declaration of a nationwide security emergency, Bishop Oludipe and political analyst Bayo Ayanga criticized the lack of clarity in the announcement, describing it as more political than actionable.
“What is the meaning of declaring this nationwide state of emergency insecurity? What exactly is the meaning of that? Because what we used to, what we know about a declaration of a state of emergency is that the people who are there at the helm of affairs at that time, they are either not competent to deal with that situation, or that they need more help. But the issue of security is a federal issue. So if you are saying now that you are declaring a state of emergency in the security, are you suspending, are you easing off the service chiefs? Or the inspector of police, are you easing them off so that you are not doing so? So let me appoint a sole administrator. Because as I said, the president will just be very political, really. I don’t say any major stuff.”
Solution and Way Forward: State Police and Community Engagement
As a solution, Bishop Oludipe strongly endorsed the creation of state police, citing the potential for improved intelligence and closer community engagement. “State police are closer to the grassroots… they will relate better with locals… we are ripe enough for it and need to go ahead with it at the earliest possible time in order to secure our various communities against those who are intruders and against those who are hell-bent on making life difficult for our people,” he said.
Finally, he urged citizens to continue advocacy and moral engagement, especially Christians, emphasizing prayer, mutual support, and speaking out against injustice.
“We continue to pray, we continue to show love, we continue to support one another, we continue to speak up against evil… we must also become advocates of what is right.”
Bishop Oludipe concluded that lasting security in Nigeria requires a combination of responsive leadership, empowered state policing, community vigilance, and a national commitment to protect the lives and property of all citizens regardless of faith or region.
