The Leader of INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, Primate Elijah Ayodele, has criticised the Federal Government over the rising wave of killings and kidnappings across the country, warning that insecurity has become a nationwide crisis.

Ayodele, in a statement posted on his X handle on Friday, said Nigerians now live in fear as violent attacks continue to spread across regions.

“Nigeria is in the grip of a severe security crisis. killings, kidnappings and violent attacks have become almost routine, leaving citizens terrified and unprotected,” he wrote.

He added that the situation was no longer limited to particular communities or religious groups but had evolved into a national emergency.

Ayodele blamed the lack of a coordinated security response for the boldness with which criminal gangs now operate.

“The sad reality is that criminals now operate with boldness because there is no effective national response. Security agencies are overstretched, and leadership is not providing the urgent direction the moment demands,” he stated.

The cleric faulted President Bola Tinubu’s handling of the crisis, insisting that protecting citizens remains his primary duty.

“A president’s most basic responsibility is to protect lives and secure the nation. If President Tinubu cannot guarantee the safety of Nigerians, then he has failed in his primary duty,” he added.

His comments come amid increased international attention on Nigeria’s security challenges and recent attacks in Niger, Kebbi and Kwara states.

The string of incidents has renewed calls for urgent government action to protect schools and vulnerable communities across the country.