Pastor Urges Congregants To Arm Themselves With Charms And Firearms Against Bandits After Owo Massacre Horrors [VIDEO]

 

A stirring message from Pastor Oloruntimilehin Daramola has ignited fierce debate across Nigeria’s religious and security communities. Standing before his congregation dressed in a purple robe, cap, and a large cross necklace, the cleric urged his followers to embrace “spiritual fortification” — including charms and, controversially, firearm ownership — as necessary protection against escalating bandit violence. The remarks emerged in a video shared on TikTok under the handle “kingbosoro.”

Daramola’s sermon diverged sharply from conventional religious appeals to prayer and faith. He declared that depending solely on spiritual invocations would offer little defense once attackers arrive with guns. “You members, go and do something that can protect you,” he told churchgoers. He insisted that if church members failed to follow his directive, they risked expulsion. He warned: “If I say they should do it and they don’t, I will send them away. I don’t want any of my members to die.”

The pastor’s call to arms came with vivid instruction. He urged congregants to “equip themselves with anything capable of shielding them from armed attackers.” At one point he suggested crude, violent responses — instructing his flock that “if they come with guns to your surroundings, they should face each other and shoot each other. Or get bees to chase them. If they come to your church, they should be dead before getting there.” His language left little doubt he believed conventional religious protection inadequate, especially in light of prior tragedies such as the 2022 Owo church massacre.

During his address he referenced that tragic episode to emphasize his point. He recalled that some victims had cried out “Jesus,” yet many still lost their lives. He argued that “Jesus had the power to save them, but Jesus said, ‘We will meet in heaven.’” The implication was clear to his congregation: divine intervention alone was not enough — the living must take proactive, even militant, measures.

Public reaction was swift and fierce. Critics described Daramola’s sermon as irresponsible and incendiary, warning that it risks normalizing vigilantism under the guise of religious duty. Others fear it could fuel sectarian or community-based violence, especially in regions already traumatized by banditry. Concerned voices call on government, church leadership, and civil society to condemn such teachings and reaffirm faith-based protection through peace and solidarity rather than arms and charms.

Supporters of Daramola argue his directives reflect the grim reality confronting many Nigerians living under persistent threat of abduction and attack. They contend that when security forces are absent or overstretched, citizens must resort to self-help to survive.

What emerges from this controversy is a deeper crisis: mounting insecurity that forces faith leaders and ordinary citizens to reassess long-held beliefs about safety, protection, and the role of religion. Daramola cast himself as a “good shepherd” determined to safeguard his flock by any means he deems necessary. Whether his teachings will save lives or deepen divisions remains uncertain, but what’s clear is that his message has ignited a debate over faith, defense, and desperation in times of danger.

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