Idara Jerome, Uyo
As Nigeria grapples with escalating kidnappings, killings and violent crimes across several parts of the country, the Lead Pastor of Insight Bible Church, Uyo, Dr. Sylvanus Ukafia, has called on governments at all levels to take more decisive steps to protect lives and restore public confidence in the nation’s security architecture.
Ukafia made the appeal on Monday while explaining the significance of the church’s “Black Sunday” observance, a symbolic service during which members dressed in black attire to mourn victims of insecurity and pray for peace, national healing and divine intervention in the country’s affairs.
The cleric said the observance was informed by growing concerns over the deteriorating security situation in the country, noting that the increasing cases of abduction, killings and attacks on communities have left many Nigerians living in fear and uncertainty.
According to him, the church chose to wear black as a mark of mourning for lives lost to violence and as a reminder that the nation must not become indifferent to the suffering of victims and their families.
“Nigeria is going through a difficult season. Every day, we hear stories of kidnappings, killings and attacks on innocent citizens. We felt compelled as a church to identify with the pain of affected families and to cry out to God for mercy and intervention,” he said.
Ukafia stressed that while security agencies continue to make efforts to combat criminality, government must intensify measures aimed at tackling insecurity and ensuring that citizens can live and conduct their businesses without fear.
He also urged political leaders to govern with wisdom, integrity and compassion, noting that the country’s challenges require purposeful leadership and collective responsibility.
The special prayer service, held at the church auditorium along Nsikak Eduok Avenue, Uyo, attracted members and visitors who offered prayers for Nigeria, political leaders, security agencies, kidnapped victims and communities affected by violence.
During the service, worshippers prayed for the safe release of those in captivity, comfort for bereaved families and divine guidance for leaders entrusted with the responsibility of managing the nation’s affairs.
Following the service, members staged a peaceful procession within the church premises carrying placards with inscriptions such as “Blessed Are The Peacemakers,” “Where Are The Peacemakers?”, “Let My People Live In Peace,” “Turn Our Cries Into Testimonies,” and “Thou Shall Not Kill.”
The placards reflected growing public anxiety over insecurity and underscored calls for greater commitment from both leaders and citizens towards protecting lives, promoting justice and preserving the sanctity of human life.
Addressing journalists after the event, Ukafia explained that the demonstration was neither political nor directed against any government or individual, but was intended to draw attention to the urgent need for peace and collective action against insecurity.
He added that the church would continue to stand in the gap through prayers and advocacy until peace is restored across the country.
“Our message is simple: Nigerians deserve to live in peace. We are praying for our leaders, for security agencies and for all those affected by violence. We believe that with sincere leadership, collective action and God’s intervention, our nation can overcome these challenges,” he stated.
The Black Sunday observance comes amid growing national concerns over persistent insecurity, with stakeholders across the country calling for stronger and more coordinated efforts to curb kidnappings, violent crimes and attacks on communities.