Oyedepo Warns Christians to Act as Church Attacks Intensify, Says Nigeria Must Avert ‘Anarchy’

Bishop David Oyedepo, Presiding Bishop of Living Faith Church Worldwide, has reiterated his long-standing concerns over rising insecurity in Nigeria, renewing a warning he first issued 15 years ago. His comments followed recent attacks on churches in which several worshippers were killed and others abducted.

Speaking during the 4th Pre-Shiloh Encounter Service, monitored by Vanguard, Oyedepo said the events of the past two weeks were “worrisome,” urging Christians to respond swiftly through prayer.

He stated: “Developments in the past two weeks, particularly in Nigeria, are worrisome to say the least. The need for a prompt response in prayers to stop the killings once and for all. You can’t trade people’s lives for your comfort. All the innocent blood shed is speaking vengeance… all the perpetrators will pay with their lives.”

Reaffirming his connection to the country, he added: “No one is more Nigerian than myself. We all have our ancestral grounds. We all know power passes power; no power passes the power of God.”

Oyedepo called on members of the church to engage in midnight prayers, saying:
“We are going out on a midnight raid (prayers). Every member of this church should be awake one hour before violence descends to anarchy in Nigeria… you mean a church was invaded during worship, people were killed and abducted and nothing happened? The God of justice is rising.”

He referenced scripture to explain why those who commit harmful acts will face consequences, noting: “He gave reasons why the wicked will be cursed in prayers (Genesis 12:3).”

The bishop emphasised Nigeria’s spiritual destiny, declaring:
“When God steps in, the pride of men is cut. Every arrogance will be cut down. Nigeria will never descend into chaos. I want them to hear these hard things because they are coming from the burning spirit of a prophet.”

Quoting Psalm 85:8, he added: “When God speaks it is accompanied with peace… He will surely speak peace to His people… He will not let them return to folly. I’ve been shouting this for 15 years; He has prompted me to speak again.”

Condemning violence, kidnappings and terrorism, Oyedepo called for justice and collective prayer:
“We shall be calling for justice against those responsible for acts of violence. We are raiding the camp of the wicked; let’s all partake in the midnight prayer. All Winners should anoint their houses. Every attack against the church shall be met with divine justice. Don’t politicise human life; it’s immoral. Let’s join our hands and hearts together and pray that prayer—one hour only, 12am to 1am.”

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