Bishop of the Missionary Diocese of Oyo South, Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), The Rt. Rev’d Olufemi Familoni, has urged the Federal Government to muster political will and fish out the abductors of Oyo school children, and teachers abducted from three schools in Oriire local council in the state on May 15, 2026.

The Bishop spoke, last Sunday, at the ordination service for Deacons, Canons, Archdeacons and the Sub-dean in the Diocese.

He said: “We are eagerly waiting and praying that our children and teachers will be rescued from the bush. The situation is becoming so disturbing. But we are also urging government not to relent in their efforts.”

Familoni also urged the government to equip local vigilance groups with sophisticated weapons in the face of the prevailing insecurity in the country.

To contain, what he described as increasing loss of lives due to banditry and kidnapping, Familoni urged the government to increase its support for these local vigilance groups, saying they have proved to be more effective in fighting insurgency.

Giving examples with the Amotekun security outfit, the pioneer Bishop argued that reports had shown that the Amotekun security force had helped to curb many cases of banditry.

He noted that killings in Nigeria are becoming unbearable, adding that Nigerians can no longer continue like this as a nation.

He observed that the military is being overwhelmed and as such local groups should be encouraged to support the fight against insurgents.

Commending the police and the Nigerian armed forces for their recent efforts, the Bishop described the development as laudable.

Familoni said: “I think more can still be done to encourage the police and other security agencies to be more involved in curbing insecurity in the land. Recently, they have shown some bravery and have proved to be effective. I urge government to give them more support.”

Familoni, who is optimistic that government is secretly working behind the scene to release the kidnapped school children and teachers, warned the government and Nigerians against politicising issues about security.

He said: “Human lives are too precious to be reduced to politics. The security forces should be empowered and given all the support they need to combat this menace.”

Meanwhile in the earlier church service held before the event, the Bishop Missioner, Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), The Rt. Rev’d Akorede Okuyelu, called on the newly ordained deacons, canons, archdeacons and the Sub-dean of the Cathedral to take up the challenge of ministry work, reminding them that ministry work comes with a lot of persecution and only those genuinely called by God can overcome the odds.

Okuyelu, who admitted he once thought pastoral work was for lazy people, said he has since realised that only people who are diligent and committed can do well in ministry.

Urging the Deacons and Archdeacons to always stay at their duty posts and preach the whole counsel of God, Okuyelu said: “Do the work of an evangelist. Preach the whole truth of the word of God. Keep your vision alive and be focused.

“God will reward those He called. He is a rewarder of those who diligently serve Him.”

At the event, Ven. Ebenezer Babatunde Ayeni was presented as the Sub-dean of the Cathedral, while Ven. Daniel Adedayo Fakogbe was the Archdeacon. Those instituted and installed as statutory canons include: Rev. Canon Olusegun Akintayo Ojelakin; Rev. Canon Samuel Sunday Obafemi; and Rev. Canon Michael Adeyinka Adewoyin.

The newly ordained deacons are, Israel Tosin Obanla, John Idowu Okewale, Abiodun Owolabi Olarinre; Alaba Olusegun Akinlabi and Philip Oluwatoyin Fadeyi.