In a stark warning that highlights Nigeria's escalating security crisis, Pastor Oloruntimilehin Daramola, founder of the Omnipotence Mission of God, has called on Christians to fortify themselves against bandit attacks targeting churches across the country.
Growing Threats to Worship Centers
The religious leader expressed deep concern during an exclusive interview with PUNCH Newspaper, revealing that recent intelligence indicates bandits have specifically vowed to attack churches and kill worshippers. This alarming development comes amid increasing violence against religious institutions in various parts of Nigeria.
Pastor Daramola emphasized that his message focuses on protection rather than aggression, stating clearly that he is not encouraging Christians to carry firearms or weapons. Instead, he advocates for traditional means of fortification that align with religious practices while providing necessary security measures.
The Government's Arms Restrictions and Self-Defense
The pastor pointed to a critical dilemma facing Nigerian citizens: government restrictions prevent ordinary people from obtaining licenses to bear arms for self-defense. This policy, he argued, leaves worshippers dangerously vulnerable to coordinated attacks by armed bandits.
"We don't have any power to stop these bandits from attacking churches because the government has not given citizens licenses to bear arms for self-defence," Pastor Daramola explained. "It then means that we cannot fold our arms; rather, we should deploy means to fortify ourselves."
His comments reflect the growing frustration among religious communities who feel increasingly exposed to security threats without adequate means of protection.
Recent Church Attacks Validate Concerns
The pastor's warnings are substantiated by recent violent incidents targeting churches. In one particularly disturbing case, armed bandits attacked a Cherubim and Seraphim Church during Sunday service in Ejiba, Yagba West Local Government Area of Kogi State.
Another tragic incident occurred in Kwara State, where gunmen stormed Christ Apostolic Church, Oke Isegun during a Thanksgiving service. The attack left three worshippers dead and resulted in the abduction of approximately 35 congregants, according to Pastor Abiodun Bamidele.
What makes the Kwara attack particularly heartbreaking is that the congregation had gathered specifically to celebrate the safe return of 18 members who had been kidnapped only weeks earlier.
These incidents demonstrate the urgent need for enhanced security measures at places of worship throughout Nigeria. Pastor Daramola's call for fortification represents a practical response to what many perceive as insufficient government protection for religious institutions.
The security situation continues to deteriorate across multiple regions, with recent reports indicating that bandits are increasingly moving toward southwestern states, potentially putting more churches and their congregations at risk.
