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Church Attacks: Bishop Oyedepo Urges Christians To Rise, Take Charge Against Genocide Attack

November 23, 2025

By Akinwale Kasali

Bishop David Oyedepo has lamented the attack on Churches and Christians by Bandits, saying the situation has become worrisome.

The Founder and Presiding Bishop of the Living Faith Church Worldwide popular as Winners Chapel said the rising insecurity in Nigeria, following recent attacks on Churches that left several worshippers dead and others abducted, need urgent attention, urging Christians to rise before the genocide against Christians leads to anarchy.

Oyedepo said this on Sunday at the 4th Pre-Shiloh Encounter Service, where he expressed deep concern over the state of the nation.

He said: “Developments in the past two weeks, particularly in Nigeria, are worrisome to say the least. The need for a prompt response in prayers to stop the killings once and for all. You can’t trade people’s lives for your comfort. All the innocent blood shared is speaking vengeance…all the perpetrators will pay with their lives.”

The revered Clergyman further asserted his connection to the nation, stating, “No one is more Nigerian than myself. We all have our ancestral grounds. We all know power passes power, no power passes the power of God.”

He however urged members of his Church to engage in midnight prayers, saying: “We are going out on a midnight raid (prayers).

“Every member of this Church should be awake one hour before violence descends to anarchy in Nigeria… you mean a church was invaded during worship, and people were killed and abducted and nothing happened?

“The God of justice is rising. He gave reasons why the wicked will be cursed in prayers (Genesis 12:3).”

He further stressed that Nigeria’s spiritual identity, declaring, “When God steps in, the pride of men is cut. Every arrogance will be cut down. Nigeria will never descend into chaos. I want them to hear these hard things because they are coming from the burning spirit of a prophet.”

Speaking further, Oyedepo cited the scripture on peace, saying, “When God speaks it is accompanied with peace, Psalm 85:8, ‘I will listen to what God the LORD will say; for He will surely speak peace to His people and His saints. He will not let them return to folly.’ I’ve been shouting this for 15 years; he (God) has prompted me to speak again.”

Condemning the act of violence, kidnapping, banditry and terrorism, he said, “We shall be calling for justice against those responsible for acts of violence. We are raiding the camp of the wicked; let’s all partake in the midnight prayer. All winners anoint your houses. Every attack against the church shall be met with divine justice. Don’t politicise human life; it’s immoral. Let’s join our hands and our hearts together and pray that prayer, one hour only 12am-1am.”

Nnamdi Kanu: Heightened Security In Abia State As Police Mounts 24-Hour Surveillance

Suleiman Anyalewechi

November 23, 2025

Danladi Isah - Abia State Commissioner of Police

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Abia State Police authorities have mounted heightened security in all parts of the State

The Commissioner of Police, Danladi Isah, on an unscheduled visit at the weekend, gave marching orders to heads of various police formations to mount a round-the-clock surveillance around schools, particularly public institutions, faith-based centres and other critical infrastructural facilities in the State.

The Source reports that the heightened security arrangements are believed to be part of proactive measures meant to forestall security breaches in the face of the recent conviction and sentencing of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra IPOB, and the spate of mass abductions, especially school children rocking some parts of the country.

There have been subdued tension, and anxiety within the South East region since Kanu was sentenced to life in jail by Justice James Omotosho of an Abuja Federal High Court on Thursday November 20,2025 .

Not are a few people are apprehensive that the region which has been the epicentre of agitations, violent activities, wanton destruction of properties and killings of innocent residents since the beginning of the travails of the IPOB leader, may be plunged deeper into the abyss as a result of the controversial Abuja Court’s pronouncement.

Although many political, religious and community leaders from the South East including Peter Obi ,Dr Alex Otti ,the Abia State Governor ,and the Deputy speaker of the House of Representatives Rt Hon Benjamin Kalu, have since sued for calm and understanding , there are palpable fears that the already fragile peace of region may be disrupted.by angry youths in particular.

The feeling of uncertainty, tension and fear is accentuated by the recent abduction of a sizeable number of school children in Kebbi and Niger states by terrorists .

The unfortunate events have since forced the Federal Government , and some state Governments including Katsina, Kano l, Taraba ,Niger , Kwara, Plateau, Adamawa and Kebbi to order the closure of schools in security-challenged areas of their states, as well as issuing other security advisories meant to contain the ugly situation.

The Abia state CP who was accompanied on the visit by some Area Commanders, and heads of tactical units appealed to the people to always volunteer credible intelligence that could assist the police in adequately protecting the State.

He also called for calm and peace among the people.

President Tinubu Confirms Release Of Kwara Worshippers, Escape Of Niger Pupils

Ayodele Oni

November 23, 2025

By Ayodele Oni

President Bola Tinubu on Sunday confirmed that the 38 victims kidnapped from a Christ Apostolic Church, (CAC), in Eruku, Kwara State last week have regained their freedom.

Tinubu in a statement he personally signed on Sunday, said the rescue was made possible through the combined efforts of security agencies.

The statement reads :

“My fellow Nigerians,

“You will recall that I cancelled my trip to the G20 summit in South Africa to enable me coordinate the security efforts at home.

“Thanks to the efforts of our security forces over the last few days, all the 38 worshippers abducted in Eruku, Kwara State have been rescued.

“I am equally happy that 51 out of the missing students of the Catholic School in Niger State, have been recovered.

“I am closely monitoring the security situation nationwide and receiving continuous updates from the frontline.

“Let me be clear: I will not relent. Every Nigerian, in every state, has the right to safety — and under my watch, we will secure this nation and protect our people.”

38 Kwara Worshippers Regain Freedom

Suleiman Anyalewechi

November 23, 2025

By Ayodele Oni & Suleiman Anyalewechi

Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, has announced the release of 38 worshippers recently abducted in an attack on Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) Eruku, Ekiti local government.

An excited Governor said this is wholly due to the hands-on approach of President Bola Tinubu, who has personally led the efforts to free the abductees.

The release comes seven days after the worshippers were abducted at the church during a programme. Report revealed that the abductees were freed on Sunday, November 23.

Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Rafiu Ajakaye, in a statement, stated that the Governor is immensely grateful to President Bola Tinubu, for his direct initiative that made this happen.

“The President had called off his scheduled trip for the G20 Meeting in South Africa to attend to the breaches in Kwara and Kebbi States.

“He had also directed heightened security deployments to Kwara, in what underlined his firm commitment to the safety and wellbeing of our people and Nigerians as a whole.

“The Governor also expresses appreciation to the Office of the National Security Adviser; the Department of State Services (DSS); the Nigerian Army; Nigeria Intelligence Agency; and, of course, the Nigeria Police, which has graciously deployed four new tactical teams to Kwara State on the directive of the President.

“The Governor also thanks members of the security forces across board, thought leaders, religious institutions, and all Kwarans for their support and goodwill since the unfortunate incident.”

Earlier Sunday morning during Church Service, the first since the horrifying incident, speaking through its Secretary Michael Agbabiaka put the number of victims at 38.

He noted that the new figure of kidnapped persons is against the initial 35 , given by the church.

While debunking insinuations that about 60 people were abducted ,the Secretary informed that a verification exercise conducted by the Church actually revealed that 38 persons were taken away by the hoodlums.

According to him, three people lost their lives, while one other is still receiving medical attention at a hospital.

“Rumours that over 60 people were abducted are not true . We have 38 people still in the bush.

“Three people died, and one is in the hospital receiving treatment. I have their names and phone numbers. We don’t want misinformation” Agbabiaka stated.

He informed that the abductors have scaled down their initial N100 million ransom to N20 million per abductee.

The Church Secretary noted that N20 million per victim was the last figure quoted, before a break in communication on Friday November 21,2025 .

The maiden Church service post-attack was marked by heavy low turn-out of members, most of whom are said to be either still afraid and or too traumatized to attend.

The few attendees however devoted much of the Sunday Service to offering prayers for the safe rescue of the kidnapped victims.

Attack On Obesere, Fuji Musician: Police Arrests Two Suspects

Ayodele Oni

November 23, 2025

By Ayodele Oni

Ondo State Police Command has announced the recovery of the sum of N479, 000, out of about N4 million allegedly stolen from a fuji musician at Okitipupa at the weekend.

Already, two suspects have been apprehended in connection with the violent attack and robbery of the musician.

The incident occurred during a burial ceremony held at the Government Field, Okitipupa.

Command spokesman, Olusola Ayanlade in a statement on Sunday, explained that credible intelligence indicating that a popular Yoruba Fuji musician, Abbas Akande Obesere, was assaulted during the event.

“Further investigations revealed that on 21st November 2025, a group of suspected hoodlums led by one Michael Abbey, popularly known as “Emir”, allegedly attacked the musician, while he was performing.

“During the assault, the suspects reportedly stole a bag containing ₦4,000,000, as well as a gold chain, handset, and wristwatch.

“The situation escalated when the victim’s manager sustained an injury to the hand after being stabbed with a broken bottle while attempting to intervene.

“Acting swiftly on these findings, operatives of the Command initiated targeted operations that resulted in the arrest of two key suspects identified as:

Michael Abbey ‘M’ a.k.a Emir, Oniye Oke ‘M’.

“During interrogation, both suspects confessed to their involvement in the criminal operation. A total sum of ₦479,100 was recovered as part of the stolen proceeds.

“Efforts are currently being intensified to track down the remaining fleeing suspects and recover the outstanding exhibits linked to the case.”

Ayonla Obesere Authentic, Media Manager to Alhaji Abass Akande Obesere, in his statement to the police, stated that “I wish to make the following statement regarding an incident that occurred on 21 November 2025 at a burial ceremony in Okitipupa town, Ondo State.

“After Alhaji Abass Akande Obesere (Papa) concluded his performance and while we were preparing to leave the venue, large groups of touts surrounded the area.

“One group converged on my location because I was carrying the bag of money. Despite our efforts to leave peacefully, my principal and I were aggressively confronted. The assailants demanded that I hand over the bag; when I refused, a violent struggle ensued.

“During the attack I was beaten and my shoulder was dislocated as a result of the struggle. I was also struck with a knife while attempting to get into the car; I cannot confirm a stabbing wound but I sustained several blows and am in significant pain.

“The attackers overpowered me and made away with the bag of money. At the same time, another group continued to manhandle Alhaji Abass Akande Obesere even after he attempted to placate them by giving money. I later guided Alhaji into our vehicle and we left the scene to seek safety and medical attention.”

Closing Schools Due To Insurgency Will Worsen Education – PDP

Ayodele Oni

November 23, 2025

By Ayodele Oni

In the face of escalating insurgency in the country, which has resulted in the abduction of not less than 400 school pupils within a week, the Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP) has given President Bola Tinubu options to pick one.

The party stated that Tinubu should resign voluntarily as president, seek domestic or foreign assistance to tackle the incident.

PDP expressed disappointment over the surge in mass abductions in the North, alleging that the administration is effectively yielding ground to terrorists by contemplating the closure of schools.

In a statement on Sunday the PDP National Publicity Secretary, Ini Ememobong, said Nigerians had endured a harrowing week marked by multiple kidnappings, including the abduction of 25 students in Kebbi State and 315 students and staff in Niger State.

It said the incidents had plunged families and communities into “sorrows, tears, blood, fear, and deep anguish,” while the Federal Government had failed to provide clear guidance.

The statement pointed out that the party was aware that some affected states had already shut schools and that the Federal Government was considering a similar move.

It warned that such action would amount to “a complete surrender to terrorists,” that aim to halt formal education by shutting learning centres, which insurgents deem forbidden.

According to the party, closing schools would hand terrorists the victory they seek.

The PDP urged the government to produce a comprehensive security plan rather than relying on what it called a “quick-fix” strategy aimed at scoring political points.

It cautioned that shutting schools would further worsen education in the North, which already hosts the majority of Nigeria’s 18.3 million out-of-school children — 10.2 million at primary level and 8.1 million at secondary level — according to UNICEF.

The statement stated that the wave of coordinated attacks within a single week underscored “the alarming insecurity that has become the contemporary lived experience” under the APC-led government of Bola Tinubu.

It also took a swipe at the administration’s “lacklustre and unempathetic” reactions to crises.

The party criticised the President for failing to visit Kebbi and Niger States to console parents and boost the morale of security personnel, noting that he instead directed the Minister of State for Defence to relocate to Kebbi.

It pointed out that while large delegations were dispatched to engagements such as the US Congress and the G-20 meeting, only a single representative was sent in response to the abductions — a move it described as “insensitive” and dismissive of the severity of the situation.

The PDP called on the Federal Government to urgently fund and implement the National Policy on Safety, Security and Violence-Free Schools, which focuses on community intelligence and swift security responses to pre-empt and repel attacks.

It warned that unchecked insecurity in schools would further discourage learning, especially in the North.

The party reaffirmed that protection of lives and property is the foremost duty of government, and that any administration that is “unwilling, unable, or incapable” of performing this function must either seek domestic or international help or “honourably resign.”

Sokoto Prisons: “Nnamdi Kanu In Good Spirits” Says Lawyer Who Visited Him

Adesina Soyooye

November 23, 2025

By Adesina Soyooye

At the Sokoto Correctional Centre, jailed Leader of the Indigenous Peoples Of Biafra, IPOB, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu is in “high spirits.” This was disclosed on Sunday by one of his Lawyers, Dr. Maxwell Opara.

Opara said he visited Kanu, who was transferred from the custody of the Department of State Services, DSS, Abuja, to Sokoto Prisons after he was sentenced to life imprisonment by the Honourable Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja Division, on Thursday, 20th November, 2025.

Opara said he visited Kanu Sunday in the company of four other associates.

On his assessment, Opara said Kanu was in high spirits, and, even, already, preparing for his appeal at the Court of Appeal.

Opara, who visited with a bundle of files wondered why Kanu was transferred to Sokoto when it was well known that he has an appeal to file at the Court of Appeal, Abuja Division.

Opara, however, said that efforts were on to see to the movement of Kanu to Abuja to enable him prepare and file his appeal against his sentence by Omotosho.

Opara to Reporters: “As I speak to you, he is preparing his appeal personally. We are exploring ways to bring him back to Abuja so he can file it because time is running out.

“We just met with him, and although he is in good spirits, the urgency of filing the appeal cannot be overstated.”

Kanu was, successfully, prosecuted by the Federal Government on a seven-count charge bordering, mostly, on terrorism. He was found guilty of all the charges and sentenced to life imprisonment as well as 25 extra years.

50 Abducted Niger Catholic School Students, Escape, Reunite With Family

Ayodele Oni

November 23, 2025

By Ayodele Oni

An update on the abducted students/pupils of St. Mary’s Private Catholic Primary and Secondary Schools in Papiri, Niger State, indicates that 50 of them have successfully escaped from captivity and reunited with their families.

According to an update released on Sunday, 23rd November 2025, the children regained freedom between Friday and Saturday but did not return to the school.

Officials were able to confirm their safety after contacting and visiting their parents.

The attack, carried out by suspected terrorists, led to the abduction of 303 pupils, students, and staff members.

Current records show that 236 primary pupils, three children of staff members, 14 secondary school students, and 12 teachers, making a total of 253 individuals, remain in captivity.

The school clarified that out of its 430 primary pupils, 377 are boarders, while 53 are day students, with 141 pupils confirmed not to have been abducted.

Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Niger State and proprietor of the school, Most Rev. Bulus Dauwa Yohanna, who confirmed the latest development, welcomed the escape of the 50 pupils but urged the public to remain prayerful and calm.

He assured that the school and church authorities are working closely with security agencies, community leaders, and government authorities to ensure the safe rescue of all remaining abductees.

To forestall further invasion of schools by bandits, the state government at the weekend announced the closure of all schools, private and public, as well as Tertiary Institutions.

Other states, including Kwara, have also announced closure of schools as security agents continue to end insurgence in the country.

Expose Those Behind Insecurity, Fmr NBA Chairman, Olanipekun Tells FG

Ayodele Oni

November 23, 2025

By Ayodele Oni

In the wake of rising banditry and kidnappings in the country, legal luminary and a former President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Chief Wole Olanipekun (SAN), has urged Nigerians to expose those behind insecurity.

He charged that people should stop concealing the identities of individuals that are sabotaging government’s efforts to curtail the rising wave of insecurity in the country, noting that the government must be bold enough to name those undermining the country’s peace.

“We don’t need foreign intervention. Let us expose those troubling Nigeria. Let us build a solid bridge of unity that cannot collapse.”

The former NBA chairman identified regional federalism as the most viable path to resolving Nigeria’s longstanding political, security and developmental challenges.

Speaking during at his Ikere-Ekiti residence on Saturday, shortly after the 29th Wole Olanipekun Scholarship Scheme and 6th Wole Olanipekun Foundation Empowerment Programme, the Senior Advocate emphasized that restructuring Nigeria along regional lines would promote integration, strengthen governance and accelerate development.

According to him, regional federalism—where regions administer their affairs while ceding only constitutionally assigned powers to the centre—remains the “surest solution” to the country’s current woes.

He added that the model would enable each region to negotiate its priorities, harness its strengths and work more cohesively for growth.

“Through regional federalism, the regions can integrate properly.

“Let the residual powers reside in the regions while the centre handles what traditionally belongs to it. I have said this repeatedly—and if anyone has a better option, let them bring it forward for Nigeria’s sake.”

He expressed deep worry about Nigeria’s rising insecurity, kidnapping, killings and what he described as increasing “inhumanity of man to man.”

He questioned why citizens have become disloyal to the nation and hostile towards one another, insisting that the country’s problems are largely self-inflicted.

“The way out is to stop the inhumanity among us. We must love one another, be kind, stop waging war against our own country and remember that life is transient. The solution to Nigeria’s crisis is love, loyalty and sincerity.”

Olanipekun warned against greed and self- centeredness, urging Nigerians to embrace humanitarian values and contribute meaningfully to national development.

“I would not have been this successful if I had not been impacting lives. A selfish life is an empty life. Success comes through the benevolence of God. Nigerians must be humanists if we want a nation free of challenges.”

Gov Otti, Senator Abaribe Disagree Over “Stomach Infrastructure”

Suleiman Anyalewechi

November 23, 2025

Gov Alex Otti and Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Senator representing Abia South Senatorial District, Enyinnaya Abaribe, has underscored the need for Governor Alex Otti’s administration to strike a balance between its massive infrastructural transformational strides ,and human capital development, otherwise known as ” stomach infrastructure”

This is as the Abia state Governor insisted that the era of “sharing money” to individuals, especially political allies and cronies is over in the State.

The two spoke separately at the official flag-off of the “Made in Aba Film Project, the Chronicles of Enyimba City” held at the Aba Town Hall on Saturday November 22, 2025.

Represented at the occasion by Chief Mrs Uwaoma Olenwengwa a former Commissioner for Industries in the State, Senator Abaribe, while thumbing up the Governor for his unparalleled developmental strides particularly in the area of infrastructural renewal, however, harped on the imperative of the administration considering incorporating “stomach infrastructural development” into its agenda, no matter how small to cushion the effects of the harsh economic realities in the country.

He noted that the excruciating economic situation in the country which has taken its toll on the masses has made it necessary for the Government to consider some palliative measures for the less privileged.

The Senator lauded the Aba Made Film Project, describing it as a great initiative capable of not only adding value to the economy of the State, but also telling the true story of Aba as one of the cradles of talents in the country.

Governor Otti maintained that as a matter of policy to depart from the old inglorious years, his administration will rather use the resources of the People to provide the enabling environment for hardworking citizens and residents to realize their full potential, instead of “sharing money to a few political cronies and associates”

“I want to disappoint Chief Mrs Uwaoma Olenwengwa, and I, also, want to believe that she must have gone outside what the distinguished Senator Abaribe asked her to say .

“Right from inception, we made it clear that the era of sharing money was over. For 24 years, Abia was busy sharing money to the detriment of actual development.

A few people were handed over the resources of the state, a situation that resulted in serious infrastructural deficit, and decay in the state.

So, having shared Abia’s Commonwealth to a few people for 24 years, we are now insisting that the people’s resources must be used to provide infrastructural facilities and other amenities that will benefit all, not a few privileged people, and create the right atmosphere for people to realize their potential.

“Our people are naturally hardworking and resilient. They will thrive when you put in place the adequate framework for the pursuit of lawful opportunities.

“We will use the people’s resources to build and rehabilitate roads and provide other essential facilities . The era of sharing money is truly over in Abia”,Gov Otti stated .

The Abia State Governor emphasized that his unflinching support to the Aba Made Film Project represents an eloquent testimonial of his administration’s resolve and commitment towards encouraging people who have ideas on how to move the State forward.

He recounted how discussions on the Aba Made Film Project began in 2022 when he was not yet the Governor, noting that he had then given his words to the producers to buy into, and support the idea, a promise he said resulted in the days event.

Governor Otti who pledged to transform Abia State into a thriving entertainment and creative haven, informed that his administration plans to set up a stadium/entertainment village which will serve to harness potential talents.

He assured the Film Project Team of his administration’s continued support to ensure total success.

” I want to refer us to my manifesto in 2023 where I had indicated that one of the things I want to do as a Governor is to set up an entertainment village in Abia State. That dream is still alive.

“The only issue now is that we are about starting the Abia State Stadium Village. It is a village in itself. It has also games village and entertainment village.

“It is supposed to be in Umuahia but we have to discuss if we want it in Aba. We can detach it ( the entertainment village) and bring it to Aba, because Aba remains the birth place of Nollywood’s early commercial distribution network. In fact, Nollywood you hear about today started right here in Aba”,Otti noted

Keynote speaker and Nollywood veteran Bob-Manuel Udokwu, while extolling the strategic importance of the Aba Made Film, which is geared towards properly situating the story of Aba as a breeding ground for talents, noted that if “executed with precision, artistry and the highest standards of production possesses the singular capacity to significantly bolster the public image and economic vitality of Abia state and by extension ,the entire South East geopolitical zone .

“We stand today at nexus of culture, commerce and creativity. The Aba Film Project is not merely a cinematic undertaking, it is a multidimensional strategic initiative ,that unequivocally demands the expertise of seasoned cinematic professionals to realize its great potential.

“What began as a docudrama, a vital chronicle focused on our indigenous “Aba Made” products has the potential for radical transformation .

“This is precisely the caliber of film that is capable of creating enduring cohesion across families and disparate regions , while simultaneously providing an unprecedented economic impetus to Aba, capturing the national zeitgeist and becoming the central subject of national discourse” Bob-Manuel noted .

He appreciated the diligent and revolutionary groundwork of the production team led by Francis Ifeakandu ,as well as the Technical Director ,Dr Prospect Nlemchukwu .

Earlier,the state Commissioner for Arts, Culture and Creative Economy Mathew Ekwuribe had described the Aba Made Film Project as “a catalyst for the restoration of the lost fortunes of Aba ,and Abia state in general.

He also expressed strong conviction that it will add immense value to the economic development of Abia State.

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