PFN Leader Sounds Alarm on Christian Persecution
The President of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), Bishop Francis Wale Oke, made a startling declaration on Friday, stating unequivocally that a Christian genocide is currently unfolding across Nigeria. During a press briefing in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, the prominent cleric called upon President Bola Tinubu to seek cooperation with United States President Donald Trump to address what he described as the "cancer and scourge" of attacks targeting Christian communities.
Documenting the Violence
Bishop Oke provided a chilling catalog of incidents to support his grave assessment. He referenced the killing of Deborah Samuel, the continued captivity of Leah Sharibu, the unresolved abduction of the Chibok girls, and repeated massacres in states including Benue, Taraba, Southern Kaduna, Niger, and Plateau. The cleric also recalled the horrific attack on Owo in Ondo State, emphasizing that hundreds of Christians and pastors have been systematically murdered.
"There is Christian genocide in Nigeria. There is no other name to call it," Bishop Oke stated firmly. "No Christian group is attacking Muslims. The patience of the church is being stretched to its limits."
Clarifying the Perpetrators
The PFN leader took care to distinguish between the general Muslim population and the specific armed groups responsible for the violence. He identified radical organizations including Boko Haram, ISWAP, and their splinter factions as the primary perpetrators. These groups, he noted, often profess Islamic allegiance during their attacks but do not represent the broader Muslim community in Nigeria.
Bishop Oke expressed appreciation for President Trump's designation of Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern and his acknowledgment of the Christian genocide. However, he strongly cautioned against any foreign military intervention, instead advocating for strategic cooperation between the Nigerian and American governments.
Call for Government Action
"President Tinubu should ask for the cooperation of President Trump instead of opposing him," the religious leader advised. "The President should root out radical groups like Boko Haram and ISWAP. Work together so Nigerians can live in peace."
Emphasizing the constitutional responsibility of the federal government, Bishop Oke acknowledged that the current administration inherited severe security challenges but stressed that decisive action is now urgently required. "Government should stand up and not play politics with it," he asserted. "President Tinubu and the federal government need to cooperate with Trump to deal with this cancer."
The PFN president's statements come amid heightened national and international scrutiny of Nigeria's security situation, particularly regarding the protection of religious minorities. Meanwhile, reports indicate that President Tinubu is currently engaged in meetings with religious leaders to address the threat of potential military action from the United States against terrorists operating within Nigerian territory.
