AKINWALE ABOLUWADE
The Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) has expressed deep concern over the worsening state of insecurity across the country, calling on the Federal Government to take immediate and decisive steps to protect lives and restore peace.
The National President of PFN, Bishop Francis Wale Oke, addressing journalists on Sunday, May 24, 2026, at The Covenant Cathedral, Christ Life Church, opposite Oyo State Secretariat, Parliament Road, Ibadan stressed the need for urgent action to tackle the menace following the conclusion of a three-day national fasting and prayer programme held from May 22 to May 24, 2026, coinciding with the Global Pentecost Day.
Oke said the Christian body was compelled to embark on the spiritual exercise because of the rising cases of banditry, kidnapping, terrorism, violent attacks and killings across the country.
According to him, Nigeria has gradually lost its respect for the sanctity of human life, with innocent citizens being abducted, raped and murdered in several parts of the country.
He cited the continued captivity of the abducted Chibok schoolgirls and Leah Sharibu, as well as the killing of Deborah Samuel, as examples of unresolved cases that continue to raise concerns about justice and security.
The PFN president lamented that states such as Benue, Plateau, Taraba, Kaduna, Edo, Kogi, Ondo and Kwara have witnessed repeated attacks by armed groups, while communities have been displaced by bandits wielding sophisticated weapons.
He particularly condemned the recent abduction of teachers and pupils in Oyo State, describing the beheading of teacher Michael Oyedokun and the killing of another victim as “unspeakable and despicable acts of terror.”
The fellowship also criticised what it described as the government’s insufficient response to insecurity, expressing concern over reports of rehabilitating and integrating repentant Boko Haram members into security structures while communities continue to suffer attacks.
PFN warned that the persistent violence is damaging national unity, discouraging investment, forcing skilled Nigerians to emigrate and weakening public confidence in government institutions.
The organisation disclosed that its National Executive Council met on May 19 to deliberate on the security situation and subsequently resolved to mobilise Christians nationwide for fasting and prayers while also speaking out against the violence.
The fellowship urged the Federal Government to fulfil its constitutional responsibility of protecting all citizens regardless of ethnicity or religion and advised authorities to seek international support where necessary.
PFN also called on churches across Nigeria to unite in prayer, repentance and advocacy against insecurity, stressing that silence only emboldens perpetrators and their sponsors.
“We have fasted. We have prayed. Now we speak,” Oke declared, insisting that the blood of innocent victims demands more than promises but immediate and effective action.
The Christian body expressed confidence that God would answer prayers for the rescue of captives, end the cycle of violence and restore peace and stability across Nigeria.
