Nigerians Have Become Inured To Killings, No Outrage Provoked By Violence — Jonathan 

By Akanni Toba

Ex-President Goodluck Jonathan has expressed shock over the growing insensitivity of Nigerians to the killings and violence happening in the country.

Jonathan noted that citizens of the country appear to have gotten inured to tragic incidents and wanton bloodshed that no national outrage is provoked when lives are snuffed out of people.

He added that the development, as harmless as it seems, is an indication of erosion of moral values and loss of sense of humanity.

The ex-president spoke on Saturday at the Anglican Diocese of Abuja’s first season of the 13th Synod in Abuja.

In his goodwill message, Jonathan called for national reflection, spiritual renewal and responsible leadership amid the country’s worsening social and security challenges.

He said, “As someone who has spent many years in public life and politics, I must confess that moments like this provide an opportunity for sober reflection on the state of our society.

“When we look around today, particularly at the challenges confronting our country, it is easy to become discouraged. Violence, insecurity, moral decline, and the loss of human values have become deeply troubling realities.

“What is even more painful is how society sometimes appears to normalise these tragedies as though they are ordinary occurrences. In times past, such incidents would shake the conscience of the nation.

“Today, people are killed, communities are destroyed, and life seems to continue as though nothing has happened. This ought not to be so. It is a reminder that society desperately needs moral direction, spiritual guidance, and a restoration of values.”

The former President emphasised that the Church remains crucial in shaping society and upholding moral standards, urging religious leaders to continue speaking the truth and defending righteousness.

“That is why the role of the Church remains indispensable. The Church must continue to stand as the conscience of society, speaking truth, defending righteousness, and shaping lives through faith and godly example.

“The influence of modern technology and information systems, though beneficial in many ways, has also contributed to the spread of negative values where wrong is sometimes celebrated more than good. This is not the future we should desire for our children and generations yet unborn,” he added.

“Permit me to also say that leadership matters greatly in moments like this. Society progresses when men and women of integrity, courage, and vision stand in the right places and speak the truth. We must continue to pray for our leaders, encourage one another, and work collectively for peace, justice, and national renewal,” Jonathan said.