Omega Fire Ministries International General Overseer Apostle Johnson Suleman has strongly responded to Nigerians criticizing clergymen over the country's worsening security situation, asserting that pastors bear no responsibility for terrorist activities.
Religious Leaders Not Responsible for Terrorism
In a video shared on his Instagram page on Sunday, November 24, 2025, the 54-year-old Edo-born pastor addressed recent kidnapping incidents involving church members in Kwara State and schoolchildren in Kebbi and Niger States. He questioned the logic behind directing criticism toward Christian leaders when terrorists don't identify as Christians during their operations.
"Have you ever heard someone shout 'Praise the Lord' before pulling the trigger? Or say 'Thank you, Jesus' before killing someone?" Suleman challenged his critics. "The first people you should call are those in that religion. It's their religious leaders you should contact, not pastors."
The fiery clergyman specifically mentioned why people shouldn't call Pastor Enoch Adeboye of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, questioning whether Adeboye serves as an Imam or if terrorism carries Christian identification.
Behind-the-Scenes Pastoral Interventions
Suleman revealed that pastors have been actively engaging with both state and federal authorities to address security challenges, though much of this work happens away from public view. He criticized those who rely solely on social media for information, stating that meaningful interventions occur beyond online platforms.
"When people were killed in Benue, I didn't just speak - I traveled to Benue, sat with the governor, and discussed solutions," he recounted. "During the Yola attacks, I visited the governor and the IDP camp, though we didn't publicize these visits."
The pastor detailed his visits to other conflict-affected areas including Jos and Borno, where he delivered relief materials despite facing personal threats. He emphasized that pastoral contributions to peace and security often occur discreetly, citing the example of late President Muhammadu Buhari and Pastor Adeboye's behind-the-scenes collaborations.
Prayer as a Legitimate Weapon Against Insecurity
Suleman also addressed Nigerians in diaspora who have criticized pastors' responses to insecurity, urging them to return home and contribute through both prayer and practical action. He defended the power of prayer as a legitimate weapon in confronting the nation's security challenges.
Referring to reports that some netizens advised Pastor Jerry Eze against praying for abducted schoolgirls, Suleman responded strongly: "Give him a weapon to fight with since you don't want him to use the one he already has. The man is praying - that is his weapon. Don't tell him not to pray."
He called for collective action from all Nigerians, stating: "Those who can pray, pray. Those who can post, post. Those who can do anything, do it. We all want a better Nigeria."
The pastor concluded that wisdom often achieves what aggression cannot, emphasizing that religious leaders cannot remain silent while citizens continue to suffer from violence and kidnappings across the nation.
