May 25 (THEWILL) — The Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) has appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to demonstrate decisive political will in ending the wave of insecurity ravaging the country.
Addressing journalists during a protest held in Sokoto State on Monday, the National President of PFN, Francis Wale Oke, represented by the Sokoto State Chairman of PFN, Ben Musa, said the worsening insecurity across the country had reached an intolerable level.
He noted that Christians across Nigeria had been mobilised to pray fervently for divine intervention while also calling on governments at all levels to fulfil their constitutional responsibility of protecting lives and property.
“Our members across Nigeria have been united in prayers, asking Almighty God to scatter the enemies of this nation and restore peace and stability to our land”, Musa said.
Oke lamented that innocent citizens were being kidnapped, killed and displaced daily, warning that the continued bloodshed had plunged many communities into fear, trauma and uncertainty.
The Bishop demanded the government’s action against terrorists, bandits and other criminal elements terrorising communities, saying Nigerians have become exhausted by persistent killings, kidnappings, and economic hardship.
Oke further condemned what it described as the growing normalisation of violence in parts of the country, insisting that Nigerians could no longer continue to live under the constant threat of attacks.
“We have resolved to speak out against the evil of insecurity, hoping that the government will give the situation the urgent attention it deserves”, the group stated.
According to the clergy, the nation was gradually losing its sense of humanity as criminal groups continued to unleash terror on innocent citizens without decisive resistance.
“We are burdened by the unchecked activities of bandits, murderous herdsmen and Boko Haram insurgents who continue to unleash terror on peaceful Nigerians across the country.”
Oke also expressed concern over what it described as the apparent lack of firm political resolve to decisively dismantle insurgent groups and criminal networks operating across the country.
“Most especially, we mourn the apparent lack of a firm political will by government to crush these horrible evils in Nigeria, allowing them to spread unchecked while citizens are fed with endless promises”, the statement added.
He maintained that many Nigerians were becoming increasingly frustrated by the persistent insecurity and urged political leaders to place national security above politics and electoral calculations.
“Nigerians are tired of the killings and the apparent focus on politics and elections instead of deploying the full weight of state authority against those murdering innocent citizens.”
Oke, however, queried the Federal Government’s policies surrounding the rehabilitation of repentant insurgents, insisting that justice for victims and stronger protection for vulnerable communities must remain at the centre of the country’s security framework.
He urged the Federal Government to intensify military and intelligence operations against criminal groups, secure farming communities, rescue abducted victims and rebuild public confidence in Nigeria’s security architecture.
“The blood of innocent Nigerians demands more than promises; it demands immediate and effective action”, they declared.
Oke expressed optimism that through sincere leadership, national unity and collective prayers, Nigeria would overcome its challenges and reclaim lasting peace.
“We believe God is able to break the vicious cycle of violence, rescue captives and restore lasting peace to Nigeria”, he concluded.
Members of the fellowship also staged a peaceful prayer procession across parts of the metropolis, carrying placards with inscriptions that reflect their demands.
Tunde Omolehin is an award-winning Journalist with prose in investigative and storytelling that is connecting the dots between the under-reported communities and policymakers to ensure good governance and accountability.
