PFN to Nigerian Church: Stand together in unity, rise against ravaging evil

As Nigerians continue to reel under the growing insecurity ravaging the country, the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) has called on the Church in Nigeria to stand together in unity and rise against the evil ravaging the country.

The PFN urged the Church to unite in her prayer by calling on the God of heaven to intervene in the affairs of the country.

“Speak with one voice so loudly so that governments at all levels can feel our pain and sorrows and move decisively to stop this evil and defend our faith and our Churches,” Francis Wale Oke, national president, PFN, said in a statement read by Yemi Davies, chairman, Lagos State chapter of PFN.

The PFN in response to the growing rate of killings and kidnapping recently held a 3-day prayer and fasting to intercede on behalf of the country. The Fellowship concluded the prayer and fasting with a peaceful procession in protest against incessant killings of innocent and vulnerable Nigerians across the country.

Since the start of this administration, the PFN for some reasons choice to stay silent on national issues, on the back of the ruling parties Muslim-Muslim ticket in the 2023 presidential election. However, the Fellowship is now telling Nigerians that the years of staying back or standing aloof while citizens suffer and die are over.

“We fast and pray because we believe God hears. We gather because unity strengthens our voice. We speak because silence aids the killer and their sponsors,” Oke said, indicating that the Fellowship is not ready to back down any moment soon.

According To the PFN, the level of banditry, kidnapping, violence, insecurity and savage killings across the country’s landscape has risen to an intolerable height such that every Nigerian should cry out against it to God for divine intervention, and for the governments for immediate and effective action.

Read also: PFN leads peaceful protest in Lagos over growing insecurity

“The blood of the innocent demands more than promises. It demands immediate effective action. We believe that God is able and will break the vicious cycles of violence, grant our prayer for the rescue of the captives, and restore peace in our country Nigeria,” he said.

The PFN national president said several Chibok girls are still languishing in captivity, years after being kidnapped by Boko Haram insurgents; just as Leah Sharibu remains in bondage by religious kidnappers because she refused to renounce her Christian faith – while the Nigeria state did nothing to safe her.

The Fellowship also pointed at the case of a student, Deborah Samuel, who was burnt to death in Sokoto by a mob for mentioning the name of Jesus, reiterating that nothing has happened to her killers.

“Since then, Taraba, Plateau, Benue states and Southern Kaduna have become daily killing fields. Edo, Kogi and Ondo states have also not been spared. As of today, several communities in Kwara State have been sacked by rampaging bandits, wielding sophisticated guns and other dangerous weapons.

“Innocent people were kidnapped, raped and killed again and again in large numbers in Borno, Niger, Sokoto, Kaduna and other states of the federation,” Oke said.

According to the PFN, Oyo State has become the latest killing field, culminating in the abduction of several teachers and students, with one of the teachers, Michael Oyedokun, gruesomely beheaded, while another one shot dead. ‘While these satanic acts were going on, our political elites continued with business as usual as though nothing was happening. These are unspeakable and despicable acts of terror.”

As parents, our hearts are heavy

Paul Adefarasin, Metropolitan pastor of all House On The Rock churches, has also added his voice to that of the PFN, calling for urgent and immediate actions from the government.

“Children must be protected. Their safety cannot become negotiable. May wisdom, urgency, and decisive action prevail, and may every remaining captive return home safely and swiftly,” Adefarasin posted on his verified Facebook page, noting that “As parents, our hearts are heavy.”

According to him, no parent should have to wonder if their child will return home safely; adding that no teacher should have to face danger simply for educating and protecting young lives. He

Adefarasin stated that on a day meant to celebrate the innocence, promise, and joy of children, many families are instead carrying fear, uncertainty, and pain over the reported abduction of schoolchildren and teachers in Nigeria.

“My family, the fold and I bind together with countless others in praying for the immediate and safe return of those still missing. We pray for comfort and strength for every family waiting patiently for news, and for every school community shaken by this tragedy.

“And for the children themselves, wherever they may be tonight, may God preserve them, calm every fear, strengthen their hearts, and bring them safely back into the arms of those who love th em,” he stated.