PFN warns rising terror is pushing Nigerians to the edge
PFN warns rising terror is pushing Nigerians to the edge
According to The Sun.ng, Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) has raised fresh concerns over the worsening security situation in the country. It says rising cases of terrorism, banditry, and kidnappings are stretching citizens to breaking point.
The Christian umbrella body, which says it represents millions of worshippers across Pentecostal churches nationwide, warned that public frustration is growing rapidly. It cautioned that without urgent and decisive intervention, the situation could lead to wider instability.
The warning was issued by the PFN National President, Bishop Francis Wale Oke, during a press briefing in Ibadan. The event marked the end of a three-day national fasting and prayer program held from May 22 to May 24 in commemoration of Global Pentecost Day.
He said religious leaders have repeatedly stepped in to calm tensions and prevent retaliation, especially among Christian youths affected by repeated attacks and abductions in several regions. According to him, this restraint has helped prevent deeper cycles of violence.
Bishop Oke stated that Nigeria could have experienced more widespread conflict if religious leaders had not consistently appealed for peace. However, he stressed that the level of insecurity has now become unbearable for many citizens.
He also expressed concern over what he described as a growing disregard for human life across the country. He pointed to continued killings, kidnappings, and mass displacement as signs of a deepening crisis.
The PFN president referenced long-standing high-profile abductions, including the Chibok schoolgirls and Leah Sharibu, noting that some victims remain in captivity years after their abduction. He said these cases reflect unresolved national trauma and continued insecurity.
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He also condemned past incidents of religiously motivated violence, including the killing of Deborah Samuel in Sokoto, saying justice has not been adequately served in such cases.
According to him, several states have become repeated hotspots for violence. He described areas in parts of the North Central and North West as zones where killings occur frequently, while also noting recent attacks in parts of the South West, including Oyo State, where school staff and students have been targeted.
He further raised concerns over the killing of a teacher during a recent abduction incident and the reported deaths of other victims in similar attacks. He said such events deepen fear among communities and weaken trust in state protection.
The PFN also criticized political leaders, accusing them of focusing heavily on elections and political positioning while insecurity continues to worsen across the country. The group clarified that its concerns are not directed at any political party but strictly at the security situation.
It also questioned the government’s approach to rehabilitating former insurgents, arguing that some individuals previously linked to violent groups are being reintegrated while attacks on civilians continue. The body said this raises questions about fairness and accountability in the justice system.
Bishop Oke said the nation is experiencing what he described as a loss of moral sensitivity. He linked this to ongoing violence by armed groups, including bandits and insurgents, and repeated attacks on farming communities.
He also criticized what he called a lack of strong political will to end insecurity. He said repeated promises have not translated into lasting solutions, while violence continues to spread across regions.
According to him, insecurity is now affecting national unity, economic stability, and public confidence. He warned that it is also driving away investors and forcing skilled citizens to leave the country in search of safety and opportunity abroad.
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Bishop Oke also expressed concern over alleged weaknesses within the security system, saying security personnel have been increasingly targeted and killed in attacks. He said this raises serious questions about internal vulnerabilities and overall preparedness.
Speaking on the three-day fasting and prayer program, he said the PFN National Executive Council met to reflect on the state of the nation and agreed to embark on spiritual intercession alongside public advocacy.
He said the fellowship chose to both pray and speak out on national issues, urging the government to take stronger responsibility for protecting citizens regardless of ethnicity or religion.
The PFN called for stronger action from authorities and encouraged broader cooperation with international partners in addressing insecurity. It also urged Christians across the country to remain united in prayer and advocacy.
Bishop Oke expressed hope that divine intervention would bring an end to violence, secure the release of abducted victims, and restore lasting peace across Nigeria.
source: The Sun.ng
Content Credit: Azeez Amosun
Image Credit: Facebook.com
