The founder of Living Faith Church Worldwide and Senior Pastor of Faith Tabernacle, Bishop David Oyedepo, has strongly criticised the escalating wave of killings, kidnappings, and violent attacks across Nigeria. He made the remarks during the 4th Pre-Shiloh Encounter Service held on November 23, 2025, where he announced a seven-day nationwide prayer session aimed at seeking divine intervention in the country’s security crisis.
Addressing thousands of worshippers at the church headquarters in Ota, Ogun State, Oyedepo described the persistent violence as unacceptable and an assault on innocent citizens. He warned that attacks targeting worship centres and rural communities were becoming increasingly concerning, calling for urgent spiritual and national action.
“The Church of Christ in Nigeria is indestructible. The gates of hell cannot prevail against it. Nigeria will never become an Islamic state. The battle is raging, the attackers are running, but we belong to a higher realm of authority,” he declared.
The cleric also condemned individuals and groups he accused of sponsoring insecurity, issuing firm spiritual warnings against those behind the ongoing violence. He cited recent incidents of attacks and abductions, expressing concern about the financial demands placed on poor communities by criminal elements.
Oyedepo noted that kidnappings had turned into what he described as a thriving criminal business, with abductors demanding large sums of money from families who could barely afford basic necessities. He called the trend a troubling development that required both prayer and collective responsibility.
In response to the situation, he directed all church members and Christians across Nigeria to embark on a seven-day intensive prayer programme beginning at midnight. According to him, the spiritual exercise is expected to “send angels on assignment” and provoke divine intervention concerning the nation’s security.
“When this church prays, God hears. All who are baptised in the Holy Spirit should pray extensively. By doing so, we are taking responsibility and standing in the gap for our nation,” he said.
Oyedepo further instructed congregants to anoint their homes, workplaces, and community spaces as symbolic acts of protection. He urged Christians to take spiritual authority over their environments and to remain vigilant in the face of rising insecurity.
He added that a spiritual “operation” would begin at midnight, stressing that attacks on church members would no longer go unanswered. He warned that any attempt to harm members of the church would attract consequences.
“As the Lord lives, who sent me as a watchman over this nation, this shall not continue. Any member of this church touched equals fire and brimstone in the camp of the enemy. I am speaking this by the Holy Spirit,” he said.
The cleric’s comments come amid renewed national conversations about insecurity, especially following recent attacks on communities and worship centres in different parts of the country. His call for prayer is expected to involve millions of Living Faith Church members across Nigeria and beyond.
More reactions are expected as religious leaders and stakeholders continue to address the nation’s growing security challenges.
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