The Anglican Bishop of the Diocese of Lagos West, Rt. Rev. James Odedeji, has urged the Federal Government to intensify efforts to secure the release of pupils and teachers abducted in Orire Local Government Area of Oyo State, describing their prolonged captivity as disturbing.
Odedeji made the appeal on Sunday while speaking with journalists after the installation of Venerable Emmanuel Kolawole as the seventh Dean of the Archbishop Vining Memorial Cathedral Church in Ikeja, Lagos.
Expressing concern over the continued captivity of the victims, the bishop said the government must act urgently to ensure their safe return.
“It is over 50 days that these children and their teachers have been in the den of kidnappers. This is getting scary. We should all put ourselves in the shoes of their loved ones. The government has no excuse. The children must be rescued,” he said.
Odedeji suggested that concerns over possible collateral damage might be delaying rescue efforts but urged the Federal Government to seek international assistance if necessary.
“We were all in this country when the Americans came to rescue their citizens who were kidnapped in Nigeria some years ago, and there was no collateral damage. Our government should seek possible assistance from other countries, especially the United States,” he added.
During the installation service, Odedeji preached on the theme, “God Demands Total Obedience,” describing the new dean as a faithful, resilient and dedicated minister whose commitment had earned him greater responsibilities within the church.
He recalled that Kolawole once considered resigning from full-time ministry because of frustration but was encouraged to remain after prayer and counselling.
According to the bishop, Kolawole later went on to make significant contributions in various church assignments, including at Egbe Archdeaconry and Archdeacon Ogunbiyi Memorial Anglican Church.
Speaking on the importance of obedience, Odedeji said Christians should submit completely to God’s will rather than serve Him on their own terms.
“We live at a time when people want to serve God on their own terms. But for a follower of Christ, obedience is not optional. It is evidence of a genuine relationship with God,” he said.
He acknowledged that obedience could be challenging because of human nature, societal pressure and fear of persecution, but stressed that it remains the path to fruitfulness and lasting impact.
The bishop urged the new dean to remain focused on his calling, advising him not to be distracted by titles or positions but to concentrate on making meaningful contributions to God’s work.