Insecurity: “Every Member Must Be Awake Before Violence Descends into Anarchy” — Oyedepo to Christians

Presiding Bishop of Living Faith Church Worldwide, David Oyedepo, has sounded a stern warning to Christians in Nigeria, urging vigilance and prayer amid escalating attacks on churches that have left worshippers dead and others abducted. Speaking at the 4th Pre-Shiloh Encounter Service, Oyedepo described recent developments in the country as deeply troubling and emphasized the urgent need for action.

“Developments in the past two weeks, particularly in Nigeria, are worrisome to say the least. There is need for a prompt response in prayers to stop the killings once and for all. You can’t trade people’s lives for your comfort,” he said. He added, “All the innocent blood shared is speaking vengeance…all the perpetrators will pay with their lives.”

Oyedepo called on members of his church to participate in midnight prayers, warning that failure to act could see the nation descend into chaos. “Every member must be awake one hour before violence descends into anarchy in Nigeria…you mean a church was invaded during worship, and people were killed and abducted and nothing happened? The God of justice is rising,” he declared. Citing scripture, he reinforced the spiritual imperative for Christians to stand firm, saying, “When God steps in, the pride of men is cut. Every arrogance will be cut down. Nigeria will never descend into chaos.”

The bishop also emphasized Nigeria’s spiritual identity and the continuity of divine power, asserting that “no one is more Nigerian than myself. We all have our ancestral grounds. We all know power passes power, no power passes the power of God.” He reiterated the importance of prayer, quoting Psalm 85:8, and stressed that the message was prompted by divine guidance after 15 years of observing the growing insecurity.

Oyedepo condemned acts of violence, terrorism, and kidnapping, and called for justice against those responsible. “We shall be calling for justice against those responsible for acts of violence. We are raiding the camp of the wicked; let’s all partake in the midnight prayer,” he said.

International concern over attacks on Christians in Nigeria is also growing. Italy has joined the United States in condemning what it describes as targeted killings of Christians. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni issued a statement urging the Nigerian government to strengthen protection for Christian communities and to prosecute those responsible for the attacks. “We strongly condemn the renewed violence that has taken place against Christian communities in Nigeria. Religious freedom is an inviolable right,” she said. Italy expressed solidarity with victims and communities living under threat because of their faith.