BY SEKYEN WALSHAK
Prophet Isa El-Buba, President of EBOMI Ministries, has led hundreds of Christians and concerned residents on a peace walk in Jos.
The walk formed part of activities marking the Christian Association of Nigeria’s (CAN) ‘Black Sunday’ protest over Nigeria’s worsening security situation.
The procession attracted participants from different denominations and communities across the state.
It was organised to draw attention to persistent killings, kidnappings, terrorism and repeated attacks on vulnerable communities across Nigeria.
Addressing journalists after the walk at the EBOMI Building in Jos, El-Buba said the demonstration was a call for urgent national action to halt the growing bloodshed and restore public confidence in government.
He noted that although Nigerians recently celebrated Democracy Day, democracy should not be measured only by elections but by the protection of lives, justice and equal opportunities for citizens.
“We stand here on the Black Sunday declared by CAN over the constant loss of lives and the killing of innocent citizens. Democracy must guarantee security, justice and hope for all Nigerians,” he said.
The cleric lamented that many communities across the country now live under constant threat from kidnappers, bandits and terrorists.
He said this situation has forced thousands of people from their homes and left families uncertain about their future.
According to him, the continued loss of lives has become unacceptable and requires a united response from government, religious leaders and citizens.
“We must declare with one voice that the bloodshed in Nigeria must stop. Every life matters. Every citizen deserves protection and every community deserves peace,” he stated.
El-Buba called on governments at all levels to prioritise security by intensifying efforts to dismantle criminal networks, secure vulnerable communities and restore public trust.
He maintained that credible democratic processes cannot thrive in an atmosphere of fear and insecurity.
He repeatedly declared that “no security, no election” as participants echoed the slogan.
The religious leader also urged Nigerians to embrace moral rebirth, warning that corruption, injustice, greed and abuse of power have contributed to the nation’s challenges.
He challenged Christian leaders to reclaim their prophetic role by speaking against injustice and defending the vulnerable.
“This is not a time for silence, complacency, or compromise. The church must go beyond the walls of its sanctuaries and become an agent of transformation in society,” he said.
El-Buba also appealed to Muslim leaders and faithful to continue speaking out against individuals who use religion as a cover for violence and criminal activities.
He stressed the need for national unity, noting that insecurity and poverty affect Nigerians regardless of ethnic or religious background.
“Poverty does not know religion. Insecurity does not know tribe. Kidnappers do not ask who you are before striking. It is time for all righteous people to come together against the forces of evil,” he said.
He further encouraged young Nigerians to remain hopeful and continue advocating for positive change, describing them as critical to the country’s future.
“Nigeria still needs your energy, creativity, innovation, and patriotism. Refuse to become instruments of violence and division. Become builders of a better future,” he said.
El-Buba urged President Tinubu to take more decisive steps in tackling insecurity and to give greater attention to communities facing persistent attacks.
While acknowledging the sacrifices of members of the armed forces, he paid tribute to security personnel who lost their lives defending the country, describing them as patriots who paid the ultimate price in service to the nation.
He warned that citizens would continue to demand accountability from leaders until meaningful progress is made in addressing insecurity.
He insisted that the movement remains peaceful and focused on justice, security and national renewal.
Our correspondent reports that the protest formed part of nationwide activities organised under CAN’s Black Sunday initiative to draw attention to Nigeria’s security crisis and press for urgent government intervention to protect lives and property.