Anglican synod urges FG to intensify security, search for kidnapped girls

Rising from its four-day synod, the Diocese of Minna, Anglican Communion on Sunday called on the federal government to intensify the search for the remaining abducted Dapchi and Chibok girls.

In a communique issued at the end of the first session of the 10th synod held at the Cathedral Church of St. Peter, Minna, Niger state and signed by Bishop Daniel Yisa, the synod expressed grave concern about the siege on communities, particularly in Benue, Nassarawa, Plateau, Taraba, Enugu, Zamfara and Adamawa states by armed groups.

The Synod said the attacks leading to needless loss of innocent lives, wanton destruction of properties and creation of more internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps and other problems so related must come to an end.

According to the Communique “the federal government must intensify efforts in the routing of Boko Haram fighters as well as the release of Leah Sharibu and the remaining Chibok girls.

The government need to be proactive and apply strategies for early warning and interventions particularly in areas known to be flash points for violence.

We appreciate efforts by the federal government in curbing insurgency by dislodging terrorist elements from the Sambisa forest. However, we enjoin government to do more in curbing rising cases of abuse of drugs and substances as well as the rehabilitation of addicts”.

The communique also called on the federal government to pursue with renewed vigour the settlement of nomadic pastoralists in self-contained permanent ranches without infringing on the farmlands of the native communities in the country.

The synod also commended the government for instituting programmes such as N- power and the ban on manufacturing and importation of codeine-laden syrups all geared towards improving the lives of the youth.

The Synod further urged government to invest massively in areas of common good for all Nigerians by improving access to opportunities, roads, health institution, elimination of corrupt practices, timely payment of pensioners and clearance of salary arrears among others which will further improve the lives of Nigerians”.

The synod also appreciated the ongoing negotiation between government and the labour unions in revisiting the minimum wage issue and particularly commended the Niger state government for prompt payment of salaries of workers.

All parties in the negotiation should be Godly, considerate and realistic and consider the impact on all Nigerians.”