•Tinubu and Bishop Wale Oke
The Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) has urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to fully exercise his constitutional authority as Commander-in-Chief by taking decisive action against the rising tide of banditry and terrorism across the country.
Speaking in Ibadan, Oyo State, today, PFN President, Bishop Francis Wale Oke, decried the continued bloodshed — particularly in Benue State — describing the killings as “mindless” and “satanic,” and completely at odds with God’s purpose for Nigeria, reports The Nation.
“The killings across the nation, especially in Benue, are heartbreaking,” Bishop Oke said.
“The federal government must live up to its responsibility. Nigerians voted for a Commander-in-Chief, not a Mourner-in-Chief.”
He dismissed claims that the perpetrators are foreigners, insisting such excuses are unacceptable. “Even if they are foreign elements, it is still the duty of government to wipe them out.”
The PFN’s call comes in the aftermath of fresh attacks in Kwara, Benue, and Sokoto States, where at least 21 people were reportedly killed by suspected bandits.
These incidents form part of a disturbing trend of violence also seen in Plateau, Enugu, and other parts of the country in recent weeks.
Bishop Oke also criticised what he termed a lack of political will to end the carnage, warning that continued inaction threatens the country’s stability and undermines public confidence in leadership.
“The idea that the killers are foreigners doesn’t hold water. The Nigerian government must defend the country’s territorial integrity. They know who is behind the killings but are not sincere enough to act. They lack the political will,” he added.
The PFN President also criticised National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, for saying the Tinubu administration inherited a “bastardised situation” dating back 15 years.
He urged Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to move beyond rhetoric and take concrete action to restore security.
“Someone is clearly misleading the president, and if he truly doesn’t know what’s happening, then those responsible should be held accountable and replaced with capable individuals who genuinely care about the Nigerian people,” Bishop Oke added. “The killings must stop.”
He also expressed concern that some perpetrators are being shielded due to ethnic affiliations or perceived immunity.
“There are sacred cows being protected because they are seen as kinsmen from across the border. The government must rise above ethnic sentiments and decisively root out those behind these atrocities. Let Nigerians live in peace — whatever it takes.
“This is the demand of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria. We are tired of the killings,” he concluded.
