A United States-based Nigerian cleric, Pastor Dr. Olatunji Gbotosho, has called on all levels of government and citizens to take urgent and collective action to address the growing insecurity across Nigeria, warning that no family is completely safe from the threat of criminal activities.
Expressing concern over the increasing cases of kidnapping and other violent crimes, he urged the Federal Government, state governments, and local government authorities to intensify efforts to curb the menace before it worsens.
According to him, insecurity has become a major challenge affecting communities nationwide, making it imperative for both government and citizens to unite in the fight against criminality.
"The responsibility of tackling insecurity belongs to all of us. We must act responsibly and work together to address this challenge without further delay," he said.
Pastor Gbotosho noted that one of the major shortcomings in Nigeria's security architecture is the absence of a simple and effective emergency response system. He advocated the establishment of a dedicated nationwide emergency telephone number that citizens can easily remember and use during security emergencies, similar to the 911 system in the United States.
He also stressed the need for improved response times by security agencies, noting that delays often provide criminals with opportunities to evade arrest.
According to him, government authorities should equip security agencies with modern technology and operational tools capable of tracking, monitoring, and preventing criminal activities more effectively.
The cleric further called for stricter penalties for convicted kidnappers within the provisions of the law, arguing that severe punishments could serve as a strong deterrent to criminal activities.
He also cautioned against ethnic profiling, emphasizing that kidnapping and other crimes are not peculiar to any particular ethnic group.
"Criminals come from different backgrounds, and we must avoid generalizations while focusing on identifying and prosecuting all those involved in criminal activities," he stated.
Pastor Gbotosho maintained that lasting solutions to insecurity can only be achieved through collaboration among government authorities, security agencies, traditional rulers, community leaders, and citizens.
Describing the security situation as an imminent threat to society, he urged Nigerians not to assume they are immune from its consequences.
"Some individuals may think they are safe, but what about their families, friends, and neighbors? No one is completely immune to the effects of insecurity," he said.
He also encouraged political leaders and stakeholders to develop practical strategies for securing communities and strengthening support for security agencies.
While emphasizing the importance of faith and divine protection, Pastor Gbotosho stressed that prayer must be accompanied by practical measures to combat crime.
"As we trust in God's protection, we must also take practical steps to combat crime. Let us join hands and take action now before it is too late," he concluded.
Pastor Dr. Olatunji Gbotosho is a distinguished physiotherapist, healthcare administrator, pastor, entrepreneur, and philanthropist. A graduate of the University of Ibadan, he relocated to the United States in 1995, where he earned a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree and built a successful healthcare career.
He is the Founder and Medical Director of Revival Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Services, a healthcare organization with branches across New York and other parts of the United States. In addition to his healthcare practice, he is a real estate investor and co-founder of the Olatunji and Kikelomo Gbotosho Foundation, which supports humanitarian and community development initiatives.
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