The Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), a powerful Christian organization, has thrown its weight behind U.S. President Donald Trump's criticism of Nigeria's handling of religious violence, declaring an "undeniable" Christian genocide is occurring within the country.
PFN's Grave Allegations and Evidence
Bishop Francis Wale Oke, the President of the PFN, made this strong declaration during a press briefing held on Friday, November 7, 2025, in Ibadan, Oyo State. He presented a harrowing list of violent incidents to substantiate the genocide claim, referencing the murders of Deborah Samuel and Leah Sharibu, the abduction of the Chibok girls, and large-scale massacres in Benue, Taraba, Southern Kaduna, Owo, Niger, and Plateau States.
Bishop Oke stated emphatically, "There is Christian genocide in Nigeria. There is no other name to call it. No Christian group is attacking Muslims. The patience of the church is being stretched." He stressed that the Nigerian government, under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has a constitutional duty to protect all citizens, regardless of their faith.
Clarification and Call for Diplomatic Cooperation
In a crucial clarification, the PFN leader specified that the violence is not perpetrated by the general Muslim population. Instead, he pointed the finger at radical elements such as Boko Haram, ISWAP, and other extremist groups.
While commending President Trump for bringing international attention to the plight of Nigerian Christians, Bishop Oke warned against any potential U.S. military invasion. He advocated for a path of partnership and constructive diplomacy. "President Tinubu should seek cooperation, not confrontation. Work with Trump to root out terrorism and restore peace," he advised, adding that "Government should not play politics with human lives. The federal government must cooperate with the U.S. to deal with this cancer of terrorism."
Spiritual and National Response
Acknowledging that President Tinubu inherited the severe security challenges, the Bishop nonetheless called for urgent and decisive measures to end the bloodshed. In response to the escalating crisis, the PFN has announced a 40-day prayer and fasting programme, scheduled to commence on January 6, 2025, and conclude with a national prayer gathering in Abuja on February 14, 2025.
This call for spiritual intervention coincides with advice from the Muslim group, Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI), which urged Nigerians to remain united and prayerful while calling on the government to intensify its efforts in tackling the widespread insecurity.
