The National President of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria, Bishop Wale Oke, has decried the continued killings across the country, warning that the violence amounts to genocide that affects both Christians and Muslims.
According to The PUNCH, Bishop Oke said the PFN is deeply concerned about the loss of innocent lives in different parts of the country and insists that the killings must stop, regardless of who the victims are.
“Our position is that genocide exists, but it is not just about Christians,” he said.
“Whether Muslim or Christian, the killings must stop. We don’t want Muslims to die, and we don’t want Christians to die. What we want is a Nigeria where no innocent person loses their life.”
The cleric said the PFN’s stance is rooted in its belief in justice, peace, and the sanctity of life, urging the government to prioritise the welfare and security of its citizens.
“Government exists for the welfare of its people as a primary responsibility,” Bishop Oke noted.
“When governance fails to protect lives, we will continue to speak truth to power and remind leaders of their duty to safeguard every Nigerian.”
He added that the fellowship, which marks its 40th anniversary this year, would continue to pray for peace and stability in the country while promoting unity across faiths.
According to him, prayers and active civic engagement remain the PFN’s most powerful tools in countering the growing insecurity.
“Nigeria would have collapsed but for the prayers of believers,” he stated. “We will keep praying and also raise awareness about the need for peaceful coexistence among all Nigerians.”
Bishop Oke also disclosed that the PFN has established a Department of Politics and Governance to encourage Christian participation in governance, led by a former Deputy Speaker of a state House of Assembly, Rev. Femi Emmanuel.
“Prayer alone is not enough,” he explained. “We must also get involved in governance and decision-making. If godly people stay away from politics, we can’t expect righteous leadership.”
The PFN President reaffirmed that the fellowship’s vision goes beyond denominational boundaries, stressing that unity among Christians and mutual respect among Nigerians of all faiths remain vital for national progress.
“We don’t want a situation where there is genocide against Christians today and another against Muslims tomorrow,” he said. “Our message is clear — stop the killings and let every Nigerian live in peace.”
