Oyedepo Warns Christians: Mobilise Before “Genocide” Leads to Anarchy
Bishop David Oyedepo, Presiding Bishop of Living Faith Church Worldwide, has sounded a fresh alarm over growing insecurity in Nigeria, urging Christians to take spiritual and communal action in response to what he called a surge in attacks targeting worshippers.
Speaking at the 4th Pre-Shiloh Encounter Service, Oyedepo renewed a warning he first made 15 years ago, describing recent church raids, killings, and abductions as deeply disturbing. “Developments in the past two weeks … are worrisome to say the least,” he said, calling for an urgent, prayer-led response to stem the violence. “You can’t trade people’s lives for your comfort,” he added, warning that “all the innocent blood … is speaking vengeance.”
He vowed that “all the perpetrators will pay with their lives,” insisting that justice must come against those behind the attacks. Oyedepo reaffirmed his connection to Nigeria, declaring: “No one is more Nigerian than myself … we all know power passes power, no power passes the power of God.”
The cleric called on his congregation to join in a “midnight raid” of prayer, a nightly vigil beginning one hour before what he fears could be a descent into national anarchy. He referenced biblical curses against the wicked (Genesis 12:3), urging every church member to be spiritually alert and active.
Oyedepo emphasised Nigeria’s spiritual identity, arguing that divine intervention could humble the arrogant and bring stability. “When God steps in, the pride of men is cut … Nigeria will never descend into chaos,” he said, framing his message as coming from “the burning spirit of a prophet.”
He also quoted Psalm 85:8, highlighting the theme of peace: “When God speaks … He will surely speak peace to His people … He will not let them return to folly.” Oyedepo said he has been delivering this warning for years, but feels compelled to repeat it now because “He has prompted me to speak again.”
While condemning violence, terrorism, kidnapping, and other security threats, he promised that his church would continue to demand justice. “We are raiding the camp of the wicked; let’s all partake in the midnight prayer,” he said, calling for divine retribution and accountability.
International Pressure Mounts
Oyedepo’s message comes amid growing global concern over the persecution of Christians in Nigeria. Italy’s Prime Minister, Giorgia Meloni, has publicly condemned the recent violence, calling it “renewed violence” against Christian communities and demanding the Nigerian government strengthen protection for all religious groups.
Meloni’s statement, delivered on social media, echoed earlier calls from U.S. political figures, including former President Donald Trump, who previously warned of military intervention if killings continue.