…urges Federal Government to seek international assistance
The Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria, PFN, has called on federal government to take immediate action against the rising wave of banditry, kidnapping, and killings across the country.
Reading the speech of National President of PFN Bishop Francis Wale Oke in Ado Ekiti, Ekiti State PFN Chairman, Bishop kolade kayo-Ajayi said Nigerians have “lost sense of value for human life and its sanctity,” citing continued attacks in states including Borno, Niger, Sokoto, Kaduna, Taraba, Plateau, Benue, Southern Kaduna, Edo, Kogi, Ondo, Kwara, and Oyo.
The fellowship highlighted unresolved cases including the Chibok schoolgirls still in captivity, Leah Sharibu’s continued detention, and the killing of student Deborah Samuel in Sokoto in 2022.
It also referenced the recent abduction of teachers and students in Oyo State, where one teacher, Mr. Michael Oyedokun, was reportedly beheaded and another shot dead.
“We are burdened for the unchecked rampaging of bandits, murderous herdsmen killing Nigerian farmers on their farms, Boko Haram insurgents using the noble religion of Islam to perpetrate heinous violence against peaceful Nigerians,” the statement read.
The PFN criticized what it called a lack of “firm political will” by government to end the violence, and expressed concern over the rehabilitation of repentant Boko Haram fighters and their alleged inclusion in security structures.
It warned that the violence was fracturing national unity, driving investors and professionals abroad, and eroding public trust in the country.
Following a National Executive Council meeting on May 19, 2026, the PFN resolved to engage in spiritual warfare and public advocacy.
The group called on the federal government to fulfill its constitutional duty to protect all citizens irrespective of tribe or religion and urged it to seek international assistance, if necessary.
The fellowship also called on the Nigerian church to stand in unity, pray, and speak out to ensure governments at all levels respond to the crisis.
“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,” Bishop Oke said.
The PFN said it believes God will “break the vicious cycles of violence, grant our prayer for the rescue of the captives, and restore peace in our country Nigeria.”
