Pastor Sam Adeyemi of Daystar Christian Centre has called on security agencies to act swiftly to rescue the 46 schoolchildren and their teachers abducted by terrorists in Oyo State and those abducted from other regions of the country.

In a statement on Friday, the cleric lamented that the trauma that Nigerians continue to endure is profound, highlighting the death of one teacher who was beheaded by the terrorists.

According to him, the unimaginable plight of these individuals, including a two-year-old, is a source of extreme distress for their families.

“However, these 46 are not alone; many more victims across Nigeria endure similar fates, their stories often going unheard. The people in South West Nigeria live in fear due to escalating violence in their region. This violence has been happening in other regions for years,” Adeyemi said.

He lamented that Nigeria’s current structure, with limited social mobility, leaves millions of young people uneducated and without skills or jobs. He said the situation breeds bandits, kidnappers, corrupt officials, and digital thieves, ultimately stifling human potential for all but the elite class.

He urged citizens not to wait for unbearable circumstances to force a discussion about Nigeria’s future. “Instead, we should engage in this dialogue intentionally and now. The need for a national conversation about our country’s future is urgent. While some aspire for an economically advanced Nigeria, others, including powerful figures, seem indifferent,” he said.

He urged citizens to demand a national discussion as a true demonstration of leadership, rather than waiting for a saviour. He tasked the elite class with the responsibility of convening the dialogue and envisioning an economically advanced Nigeria that embraces our diversity and values.

“Continuing on our current path is not an option. We must view our challenges as unprecedented opportunities to build a new nation that works for everyone. Together, we can achieve this, God helping us,” Adeyemi said.