Bishop urges govt to deploy technology against insecurity

The Anglican Bishop of Lagos West Diocese, Rt. Rev. James Odedeji, on Sunday, called on governments at all levels to intensify efforts to tackle the country’s worsening security challenges, urging security agencies to deploy modern technology to stay ahead of criminals.

Odedeji said the call had become necessary because criminal elements were constantly improving their operations with the backing of their sponsors.

This was disclosed in a statement made available to PUNCH Online on Monday, which noted that the Bishop spoke at the Trinity Ordination Service of the Lagos West Diocese, held at Bishop Ajayi Crowther Memorial Church, Ipaja, Lagos.

Odedeji stressed that governments and security agencies must embrace technology-driven strategies to effectively combat insecurity across the country.

The bishop said, “Governments at all levels and security agencies must leverage modern technology to tackle the nation’s security challenges.

“The people perpetrating these heinous crimes are daily upscaling their activities with their sponsors; hence, there is also a need to step up our efforts so as to always be ahead of them.”

Nigeria continues to grapple with a severe and multifaceted insecurity crisis characterised by banditry, kidnapping, terrorism, and communal violence, particularly in the North but increasingly spreading nationwide.

According to PUNCH Online, armed groups, including an estimated 30,000 Fulani militants (per a US report), have intensified attacks across the Middle Belt and other regions, resulting in thousands of deaths, mass displacements, and eroded public trust.

Recent data highlights the scale: over 5,272 people killed in violent incidents in the first five months of 2026 alone, with police recording more than 50 bandit attacks and abductions in a single week despite substantial security spending.

In his sermon, the retired Bishop of Awori Diocese, Rt. Rev. Johnson Atere urged pastors and church workers to prioritise their relationship with God if they hoped to have enduring ministries.

Addressing the newly ordained priests, Atere said a minister’s first responsibility was to maintain spiritual discipline and personal integrity rather than focusing primarily on programmes and church activities.

“A priest who loses his integrity, spiritual life and doctrinal soundness becomes a danger to himself,” he said.

He added, “The first responsibility of a priest is not programmes or organising meetings. These are good, but what should be of primary concern is your relationship with God.”

Atere also urged the priests to live above corruption and immorality, saying their character would outlive their sermons.

“It is important that you pay attention to your character. People may not remember your message long after you are gone, but they will not forget how you lived your life,” he said.

A total of 19 priests were ordained during the service, including four from the Awori Diocese, for which Odedeji serves as the supervisory bishop.