The Founder and General Overseer of Save and Serve Christ Family Church, Ibadan, Bishop (Dr.) Jide Orire, has called on Nigerians to unite in prayer and support for President Bola Tinubu’s administration as the nation battles insecurity, economic hardship, and what he described as a “spiritual assault on the conscience of humanity.”
Speaking in Ibadan, Bishop Orire condemned the continued killings of Christians, Muslims, and innocent citizens across parts of the country, describing the situation as deeply disturbing. He urged the government to take stronger action to prevent further violence.
“What we are witnessing today is not just insecurity; it is persecution. Christians, Muslims, and other innocent Nigerians are being slaughtered, their homes destroyed, and their places of worship desecrated,” he said. “It is heartbreaking that in a nation under God, such wickedness continues unchecked.”
The cleric noted that rural communities in the North and Middle Belt have suffered repeated attacks and displacement for years, leading to growing fear and instability. While he absolved President Tinubu of direct blame, he stressed that the crisis predated the current administration.
He praised the President’s efforts to stabilize the economy and restore peace but urged greater urgency and transparency.
Commenting on the recent statement by former U.S. President Donald Trump about intervening in Nigeria’s crisis, Orire said the country’s sovereignty must be respected but welcomed genuine international support to end the killings.
“Nigeria is in dire need of help,” he said. “Our leaders, both Christian and Muslim, must raise prayer altars to back the President in restoring peace. Nigeria has become a slaughterhouse of innocent souls, and it seems our leaders are overwhelmed. When government efforts falter, spiritual intervention becomes inevitable.”
Bishop Orire, a long-time advocate of national renewal, said the wave of killings, political instability, and economic distress stems from moral decay. “No nation can prosper in the midst of bloodshed,” he said. “If the killings continue unchecked, we may face a national catastrophe. The government must rebuild confidence in its security forces and bring every culprit to justice.”
He also urged religious leaders to unite in prayer and advocacy rather than remain silent in the face of violence. “This is not a time for division,” he said. “The Church must stand as one voice, praying and speaking truth to power. Nigeria’s destiny rests in the hands of those who refuse to compromise righteousness for political gain.”
Addressing claims that the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) should be blamed for the crisis, Orire dismissed the idea as false and unfair, stressing that both Christians and Muslims have suffered losses.
“It is false to say only Christians are being killed. Muslims too have been victims. We must stop politicizing death. The government should convene an all-faith dialogue involving religious and community leaders to chart a path to lasting peace,” he said.
He called for a national day of fasting and prayer, urging security agencies to act decisively against criminal elements regardless of ethnicity or religion. “Islam, like Christianity, is a religion of peace. Not all Yoruba, Fulani, or Igbo are criminals. Government must identify and punish the bad eggs among us. That is the only way to peace,” he said.
Encouraging Nigerians to remain hopeful, Bishop Orire expressed faith that divine mercy would soon heal the nation. “No matter how dark the night may be, the dawn of deliverance is near,” he declared. “The light of God will shine again on this land. Nigeria shall rise and take her place among great nations.”
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