PFN Demands Government Immediate Action to Address the Savage Killing, Banditry, and Kidnapping in the Country
The National President of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), Bishop Francis Wale Oke, has declared that Nigeria has lost its sense of value and its sanctity for human life amidst rampant kidnappings, banditry, and violent killings across the country.
In a statement delivered by the Lagos Chapter PFN Chairman, Pastor Yemi Davids, on his behalf to mark the end of a three-day national fasting and prayer for Nigeria by the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), accompanied by a peaceful protest against killings, abductions, and banditry held in Lagos.
Bishop Wale Oke decried the state of insecurity in various parts of Nigeria, including Taraba, Plateau, Benue, Southern Kaduna, Edo, Kogi, and Ondo states. He noted that several communities in Kwara State had been displaced by marauding bandits armed with sophisticated guns and other deadly weapons.
He emphasized that the prevalence of banditry, kidnapping, violence, and brutal killings nationwide had reached an alarming level, necessitating every Nigerian to cry out to God for divine intervention and to the government for immediate and effective action.
He condemned the recent abduction of teachers and students in Oyo State, where one of the abducted teachers, Mr. Michael Oyedokun, was brutally beheaded and another shot dead.
Bishop Wale Oke expressed dismay that despite these atrocities, the political elite seemed indifferent, continuing with business as usual. He described these acts as unspeakable and despicable terrorism.
The PFN president lamented the erosion of humanity, citing the unchecked rampages of bandits, the killing of farmers by herdsmen, and Boko Haram insurgent atrocities committed under the guise of Islam. He also bemoaned the killing of soldiers due to compromised security systems. “We are burdened because this intolerable violence is becoming normal in Nigeria”, he stated.
Bishop Wale Oke cautioned that the ongoing violence not only claims lives but also fractures unity, deters investors, drives away skilled citizens, weakens the bond between citizens and the State, and creates widespread insecurity and terror that make Nigerians feel insecure.
The PFN urged the Federal Government to uphold its constitutional duty to protect its citizens, regardless of tribe or religion, while condemning the rehabilitation of Boko Haram terrorists and their integration into the country’s security network.
The body advised seeking international partnership to prevent further escalation and called on the Nigerian Church to unite against the evil plaguing the country, speak loudly with one voice, and rise to defend their faith and churches.
Bishop Wale Oke affirmed the PFN’s resolve to engage in spiritual warfare, fasting, and prayer, with hope that the government would take immediate action.
He said they believed that God is able and will break the vicious cycles of violence, grant their prayer for the rescue of the captives, and restore peace in Nigeria. He prayed for God’s great mercy, took note of the fasting and prayer, forgave their sins, and healed their dear country, Nigeria, and turned their burden into dancing.
He expressed faith in God’s ability to break the cycle of violence, rescue captives, and restore peace in Nigeria, praying for God’s mercy and healing for the nation, Bishop Francis Wale Oke said, God’s great mercy, took note of the fasting and prayer, forgave our sins, and healed our dear country, Nigeria, and turned our burden into dancing.
Earlier at the Lagos PFN National Call to Prayer, themed, “The Consuming Fire”, held at Global Impact Church, Oworonsoki Expressway, Pastor Leke Adeboye, Rev Jane Onaolapo (Lagos PFN V/Chair), Pastor Iren Emmanuel, Pastor Poju Oyemade, and Pastor Sola Ogunmakinde (Lagos PFN Treasurer), with Pastor Yemi Davids (Lagos PFN Chairman and host), took turns to exalt briefly and led the well attended programme in different prayer session.
