The Presiding Bishop of the Living Faith Church Worldwide, Bishop David Oyedepo, has strongly condemned the recent wave of killings in parts of Nigeria, declaring that he would pray against those responsible rather than pray for them.
Speaking during a church service at Faith Tabernacle in Ota, Ogun State, Oyedepo described the persistent attacks and bloodshed across the country as unacceptable and called for decisive action to end the violence. His remarks came amid renewed concerns over insecurity, including attacks by armed groups and criminal gangs in several states.
The cleric said those who deliberately take innocent lives should face divine judgment, stressing that his prayers would be directed against the perpetrators of the killings.
“I will pray against killers, not for them,” Oyedepo declared, adding that those responsible for shedding innocent blood should not expect sympathy while they continue their violent acts.
He expressed concern over the continued loss of lives and urged Nigerians not to become desensitised to the country’s security challenges. According to him, every life is sacred and must be protected.
Oyedepo also called on the nation’s leaders and security agencies to intensify efforts to safeguard lives and property, noting that peace and security are essential for national development.
The bishop urged Christians to remain steadfast in prayer for the nation while standing against injustice and violence. He emphasised that praying against those who persist in killing innocent people was consistent with seeking justice and protecting the vulnerable.
Nigeria has continued to grapple with security challenges, including banditry, kidnappings, communal clashes and terrorist attacks, particularly in parts of the North-Central, North-West and North-East. Religious and community leaders have repeatedly called on the government to strengthen security measures and bring perpetrators of violent crimes to justice.
Oyedepo’s comments have since generated widespread reactions, with many Nigerians expressing concern over the country’s deteriorating security situation and renewing calls for more effective measures to curb the violence.
