Presiding Bishop of Living Faith Church Worldwide, David Oyedepo, has issued a urgent spiritual directive to congregation members amid escalating violence against Christian communities in Nigeria. The prominent cleric called for immediate action through intensive prayer sessions following recent deadly attacks on churches.
International Condemnation Grows
Italy has become the second G7 nation to openly condemn the targeted killings of Christians in Nigeria, following similar concerns raised by the United States. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni released a strongly worded statement denouncing what she described as renewed violence against Christian communities.
"We strongly condemn the renewed violence that has taken place against Christian communities in Nigeria. Religious freedom is an inviolable right," Meloni stated. She further urged the Nigerian government to strengthen protection for all religious communities and ensure prosecution of those responsible for these heinous attacks.
The international concern reached new heights when US President Donald Trump threatened military action weeks ago if the Nigerian Federal Government failed to halt what he characterized as Christian genocide in the country.
Spiritual Response to Crisis
Speaking during a Pre-Shiloh Encounter Church Service, Bishop Oyedepo expressed deep alarm about recent developments in Nigeria. "Developments in the past two weeks, particularly in Nigeria, are worrisome to say the least," the bishop declared. "There is need for a prompt response in prayers to stop the killings once and for all."
The religious leader emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating, "You can't trade people's lives for your comfort." He delivered a sobering warning about the consequences of violence, asserting that "all the innocent blood shared is speaking vengeance" and that "all the perpetrators will pay with their lives."
Call to Midnight Prayer Vigil
Bishop Oyedepo prescribed a specific spiritual strategy for church members, urging them to launch into what he termed "midnight raid (prayers)." He directed that every member of the church should be awake one hour every night for one week to prevent violence from descending into complete anarchy in Nigeria.
Despite the concerning developments, the cleric expressed faith in divine intervention, declaring that "Nigeria will never descend into chaos." He assured congregants that "when God steps in, the pride of men is cut. Every arrogance will be cut down."
The bishop challenged what he perceived as inadequate response to the attacks, confidently stating, "The God of justice is rising," indicating his belief in supernatural intervention in the security crisis facing Christian communities across Nigeria.
