The Founder and General Overseer of Save and Serve Christ Family Church, Ibadan, Bishop (Dr.) Jide Orire, has called for prayers from Nigerians to assist the administration of President Bola Tinubu achieve success over the spate of killings of Christians, Muslims and innocent citizens in some parts of the country and improve the economy of the nation.
Speaking during an interview in Ibadan, Bishop Orire described the persistent attacks as a spiritual assault on the conscience of humanity,” calling on the Nigerian government to act decisively before the situation worsens.
He lamented that for years, Christian and rural communities have suffered violent attacks, destruction of places of worship, and forced displacement in the Northern and Middle Belt regions, without meaningful intervention.
According to him, the situation has continued to create palpable fears in the people and destabilize the nation.
“What we are witnessing today is not just insecurity; it is persecution,” Bishop Orire said. “Christians and Muslims and innocent citizens are being slaughtered, their homes razed, and their places of worship desecrated. Yet, those responsible are hardly brought to justice. It is heartbreaking that in a nation that prides itself as one under God, such evil persists.”
While exonerating President Bola Tinubu from blame, the cleric noted that the killings and insurgency predate his administration. He commended the President’s efforts to tackle insecurity and promote peace and economic stability.
Bishop Orire also commented on the recent declaration by former United States President Donald Trump to intervene in Nigeria’s ongoing crises, saying government has the prerogative on the issue. He urged Nigerian leaders to welcome all forms of genuine support aimed at restoring peace.
“Nigeria is in need of help at this crucial time,” he said. “I urge the leadership of both Christians and Muslims to raise prayer altars to support President Tinubu in achieving success in his administration. Nigeria has become a slaughterhouse for innocent people, and it appears our leaders are overwhelmed by the situation.”
A consistent advocate of good governance and national revival, Bishop Orire warned that persistent killings, political instability, and economic hardship are symptoms of a deeper moral decay and leadership failure. He urged the government to move beyond rhetoric and take decisive action to protect all citizens, regardless of religion or ethnicity.
“No nation can prosper in the midst of bloodshed,” he warned. “If the killing of Christians, Muslims, farmers, and innocent villagers continues unchecked, we may be heading toward a national catastrophe. The government must restore confidence in its security institutions and ensure that perpetrators face the full weight of the law.”
He further stressed the need for spiritual intervention, saying, “When government efforts can no longer guarantee the safety of its people, spiritual leaders must rise to assist through prayers. This is not about politics; it is about humanity. The blood of the innocent is crying out, and Heaven cannot be silent forever.”
The cleric also called on church leaders across the nation to unite in prayer and advocacy, urging them not to remain silent in the face of oppression.
“This is the time for the Church to stand as one voice,” he said. “We must pray, but we must also speak truth to power. The destiny of Nigeria lies in the hands of those who will not compromise righteousness for political gain.”
Bishop Orire condemned attempts to blame the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) for the ongoing crises, describing such accusations as “evil and unjust.”
“It is false to say that Christians alone are being killed; Muslims too have been victims,” he emphasized. “It is time for our leaders to convene a meeting involving all religious and community stakeholders to find lasting peace for the people and the nation.”
While commending President Tinubu’s leadership, Bishop Orire noted that the continuous shedding of innocent blood is not worth any political ambition.He also called for a national day of fasting and prayer to seek divine guidance for Nigeria.
“Islam, like Christianity, is a religion of peace,” he said. “Not all Yoruba, Fulani, or Igbo are criminals. Government must, however, identify and punish the bad elements among us to ensure lasting peace.”
Bishop Orire urged the government to prioritize improved security and social welfare to ease the suffering of the masses.
In conclusion, he encouraged Nigerians not to lose faith, expressing hope that divine intervention will soon bring restoration to the nation.
“The light of God will shine again on this land,” he affirmed. “No matter how dark the night may be, the dawn of deliverance is coming. Nigeria shall rise again.”
