Bishop David Oyedepo Declares Nigeria Will Never Become Islamic State, Curses Bandits Attacking Innocent Christians

 

Bishop David Oyedepo, the influential founder of Living Faith Church Worldwide and Senior Pastor of Faith Tabernacle, has publicly condemned the recent violent attack on a Christian church in Kwara State, emphasizing that Nigeria will never transform into an Islamic nation. Speaking to his congregation today, November 23, Oyedepo expressed grave concern over the escalating violence against worshippers and communities, describing it as “unacceptable” and a direct assault on innocent lives.

The renowned cleric passionately denounced the attack, which left five people dead and thirty-five others abducted, with kidnappers reportedly demanding a ransom of one hundred million naira from a local village. Oyedepo characterized the surge in kidnappings as a “big-time business,” highlighting the disproportionate burden placed on struggling communities.

“The Church of Christ in Nigeria is indestructible. The gates of hell cannot prevail against it. Nigeria will never become an Islamic state. Never, never, never. The battle is raging. The Islamic jihadists are running. But we belong to a higher realm of authority,” Oyedepo declared. He invoked divine judgment on all perpetrators and their sponsors, warning of curses upon anyone involved in these killings. The pastor’s words underscored a spiritual response to the country’s worsening insecurity, calling for accountability beyond the physical realm.

Calling on Christians nationwide, Oyedepo initiated a seven-day intensive prayer campaign, beginning at midnight, aimed at confronting the spiritual forces behind the violence. “When this church prays, God hears. All who are baptized in the Holy Ghost will join me in praying extensively in the spirit. By so doing, we are sending angels on a run. There will be catastrophes. There will be catastrophes. There shall be catastrophes. In the camp of the wicked, there shall be catastrophes,” he said, urging believers to actively participate in the spiritual warfare.

The pastor lamented the growing audacity of criminal gangs and the desperation of affected communities, stressing that the abductions and ransom demands represent a significant threat to social stability. He also highlighted the moral and spiritual duty of the church to protect innocent lives through prayer and advocacy, framing the response as both a religious and societal imperative.

Oyedepo’s message resonated with congregants, many of whom perceive the increasing violence as a test of faith and resilience. By publicly condemning the attacks and asserting that Nigeria’s Christian foundation remains unshakable, the pastor reinforced the role of faith-based leadership in confronting insecurity.

Authorities and residents continue to grapple with the challenge of banditry and violent crimes across Kwara and other affected states, but Oyedepo’s pronouncement emphasizes a blend of spiritual conviction and public awareness, urging the nation to reject fear and uphold moral courage. The call to prayer and divine intervention aims to provide both solace and action amid the persistent threat to communities and worshippers nationwide.