close
Sunday, November 23, 2025

Nigeria will not become Islamic state, David Oyedepo condemns jihadists’ attack on church, schools

Mr Oyedepo expressed concerns over attacks on churches, berating those denying Christian genocide.

• November 23, 2025
Bishop David Oyedepo in his church preaching
Bishop David Oyedepo in his church preaching [Photo credit: The Devotionals]

David Oyedepo, founder of the Living Faith Church Worldwide, has condemned the terrorist attack on Christ Apostolic Church in Eruku, Kwara State, and the abduction of over 300 schoolchildren from St. Mary’s Catholic School, Papiri, Niger State.

During the 4th Pre-Shiloh Encounter Service on Sunday, Mr Oyedepo expressed concerns over attacks on churches, berating those denying Christian genocide.

“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,” Mr Oyedepo said.

Condemning the terrorist attack on CAC Eruku, Mr Oyedepo said, “Five people were shot dead in a church last week. Thirty-five abductees can’t tell where they are. And they are demanding a hundred million from a village setting. Every perpetrator of these killings and their sponsors come under a curse today.”

While declaring midnight prayer over widespread insecurity in the country, the cleric said, “Every molestation against the church shall be visited with judgment.”

He added, “Don’t politicise human lives. It is immoral. That there is no genocide, are you mad? Are there killings? They said yes. Are they judicial killings? Nobody owns this country. We all own it together. Fifty-two children (based on early reports) were abducted from a Catholic school. Why? In a country like this. Where are we going?”

Last Tuesday, terrorists attacked Christ Apostolic Church, Eruku, in Kwara State and abducted 38, while on Thursday, about 315 schoolchildren and staff of St. Mary’s School, Papiri, Niger State, were abducted.

No fewer than 50 of the abducted pupils of St. Mary’s Catholic School escaped from captivity, a statement by the school authorities said on Sunday. But about 253 of those abducted still remain in captivity.

We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.

More from Peoples Gazette

farmers

Agriculture

FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology

The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices

Katsina State

Politics

Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku

“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”

Eberechi Eze in an Arsenal shirt

Sport

Eberechi Eze nets hat-trick as Arsenal thrash Spurs 4-1 in North London Derby

The final whistle confirmed Arsenal’s dominance as they remain top of the Premier League standings.

Ewi of Ado-Ekiti, Oba Adeyemo Adejugbe

States

Gov. Oyebanji congratulates Ewi of Ado Ekiti on 80th birthday, 35th coronation anniversary

The governor described the monarch as a history maker and a traditional ruler of immense impact.

Nigerian flag

Heading 1

Nigeria won’t break; will overcome its security challenges: Remi Tinubu

Mr Kalu praised Mr Onuoha for his commitment to peacebuilding and ability to bridge the gap between the state and faith communities.

Babagana Umara Zulum

Heading 3

Boko Haram fighters abduct 13 girls harvesting crops on Borno farm

A source said, “Thirteen girls were abducted on a farm in Huyim, Askira/Uba Local Government Area of Borno State.’’