The current hardship in Nigeria is biting so hard on the entire citizens and has resulting in different vices in the country, the Methodist Church has said.

Reverend Joseph. F. Osifuwa of the Diocese of Kwara State, stated this at the opening of the 35th Annual Synod of the Methodist Church Nigeria in Ilorin on Friday.

Speaking on the state of the nation, he said Nigeria under the administration of President Bola Tinubu is passing through a very challenging time.

“The economy has collapsed to the extent that above 90 percent of the citizens are living below poverty level. The removal of fuel subsidy and floating of the naira have caused continuous inflation on goods and services that they are out of reach of the teaming populace,” he declared.

Osifuwa lamented that “most of our systems, have failed making the situation hopeless for all categories of citizens in the country, while our best brains and productive youths are leaving the country for a better living abroad”.

The clergy added that killings in Benue, Plateau and other states are unacceptable.

“Insecurity that is so alarming needs the serious attention of the President and his service chiefs, no stone should be left unturned in order to wipe out the bandits, terrorists, kidnappers and their sponsors.

“Enough of the shedding the blood of innocent citizens of this nation, enough of turning out good arable land to waste land through killings and sending people out of their ancestry land,” he said.

The clergyman added that bandits and terrorists must not be allowed to take over the country when there are well trained, equipped and empowered armed forces that have the full authority and support of the Federal Government.

“The Tinubu-led Federal Government must as a matter of urgency take drastic steps to tackle all that stand to discredit his government.”

He said the economy needs resuscitation and revival with engagement of technocrats that will sincerely, faithfully and sacrificially work for the transformation of the economy.

Speaking on Kwara State, Rev. Osifuwa, expressed concern over the spate of killings by bandits in Kaiama, Baruten and Ifelodun LGAs.

He said the result of people fleeing their ancestral homes and farmlands for fear of being killed or kidnapped, will result to food insecurity and economic crisis in no distant time if government does not take urgent steps to address insecurity.

Osifuwa further advised the government to work on religious and tribal dichotomy, adding that the state should not be allowed to disintegrate or divide along religious and tribal lines.

“We should be treated equally and be given equal platform to operate. Kwara State will surely be great through unity and tolerance,” he added.