‘Living in fear’ Nigerian-born Missouri professor speaks on recent abductions, security emergency
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV) - School supplies, books and empty lockers were all that was left of a Nigerian Catholic school after 300 students and a dozen teachers were abducted.
People in the United States and around the world are speaking out for justice and peace. Pope Leo XIV has called for the immediate release of schoolchildren and staff, and leaders in the United States are also taking a stance against the persecution of Christians in the country.
Dr. Onema Adojoh is a Nigerian-born professor in Missouri who has family and friends in his home country. He was devastated to learn that hundreds of kids had been recently kidnapped.
“To be honest, it’s gut-wrenching, devastating,” said Dr. Adojoh. “I was heartbroken that children between the age of 12 and 17, who are innocent, could be kidnapped.”
Adojoh spoke on some of the main challenges the nation faces.
“It’s attributed to insecurity, economic crises, the poverty situation, corruption, infrastructural instability of the country, and above all, ethical and tribal conflict,” said Adojoh.
Adojoh has siblings and friends in his home country. He says that the nation’s climate is impacting citizens of every region.
“It’s a time of crisis, people can no longer work, and above all, they are all living in fear,” said Adojoh.
He said daily life is anything but normal for his family and friends on the other side of the world.
“They cannot carry out their normal daily activities because of fear of being killed,” said Adojoh.
He says Kansas Citians can help Nigerians by stepping up to support humanitarian services and organizations.
Adojoh says that despite the harsh reality, there is still optimism. He sees how the Nigerian and the United States governments are working to create peace.
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“It might take some bit of time, but with the current sort of outcry of the people and the US government and other countries across the globe, I believe there’ll be restoration very soon in the system,” said Adojoh.
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