By Chidinma Ewunonu-Aluko, Ibadan
The Bishop of Ibadan Anglican Communion, Most Rev. Joseph Akinfenwa, has called on Nigerians to make 2026 Easter celebration low-key and solemn in honour of Nigerians who died through violence.
He also said that Nigerians should use the opportunity to pray for healing of the nation.
The bishop made the appeal in his Easter message on Sunday in Ibadan.
Akinfenwa said that Nigerians should shun all forms of violence and bloodshed which, he said, had taken innocent lives.
He condemned the recent attack in Angwan Rukuba, Jos, last Sunday during which some citizens lost their lives.
“Nigeria has lost scores of precious souls to terrorist activities, while the whereabouts of hundreds kidnapped by bandits remain unknown,” he said.
He urged Christians to pray for the nation’s healing, especially this Easter season.
“Easter 2026 should be a solemn season during which we grieve over the state of our nation,” he said.
He expressed confidence that God loves Nigeria and will continue to show the country mercy.
“God demonstrated His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us (Romans 5:8).
“More than ever before, our nation needs the manifestation of the boundless love and enduring mercy of God that was revealed in the person of Jesus Christ.
“As we mark Easter 2026, we appeal to all Nigerian Christians to make this a low-key, solemn commemoration to honour the departed and lift up our hearts to God for the healing of our land.”
Akinfenwa emphasised the need for love, forgiveness, and security consciousness among Nigerians.
“All of us must be vigilant,” he said.
He urged Nigerians to forgive their offenders and return love for hatred, saying that love would conquer all evil.
Akinfenwa also appealed to Nigerian leaders to do more to protect the citizens and promote national unity.. (NAN)
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