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Nigerians Have Become Desensitised To Killings — Jonathan

ByTitilope Adako

PublishedMay 16, 2026

Former President Goodluck Jonathan has lamented the growing normalisation of insecurity, killings and violence in Nigeria, warning that the country is gradually losing its moral values and sense of humanity.

Jonathan spoke on Saturday at the first session of the Anglican Diocese of Abuja’s 13th Synod held in Abuja, where he called for national reflection, spiritual renewal and responsible leadership amid the country’s worsening security and social challenges.

In his goodwill message, the former President said many Nigerians had become desensitised to bloodshed and destruction, unlike in the past when such tragic incidents stirred national outrage and collective grief.

“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,” he said.

“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.”

Jonathan added that it was painful to see society treat tragic incidents as ordinary occurrences.

“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,” he stated.

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

He also warned about the growing influence of negative values through technology and modern information systems, noting that harmful behaviours were increasingly being celebrated in society.

“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.

Jonathan further emphasised the importance of responsible leadership, saying societies only progress when leaders with integrity, courage and vision occupy positions of authority.

“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,” he said.

Titilope Adako

Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.