By Richard Thomas
The Founder and General Overseer of Save and Serve Christ Family Church, Ibadan, Bishop (Dr.) Jide Orire, has expressed grave concern over the increasing spate of killings of Christians, Muslims and innocent citizens across various parts of Nigeria.
In a passionate statement made during an interview in Ibadan, the cleric described the incessant attacks as “a national tragedy and a spiritual assault on the conscience of humanity,” calling on both the Nigerian government and the international community to act decisively before the situation escalates further.
Bishop Orire lamented that for several years, Christian and communities have suffered violent attacks, destruction of churches, and forced displacement in the Northern and Middle-belt regions of the country without any meaningful response from the authorities. He described the situation as “a coordinated attempt to silence the faith communities and destabilize the nation.”
According to him, “What we are witnessing today is not just insecurity; it is persecution. Christians and Muslims 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 unchecked.”
He said: “We cannot blame the development on the administration of President Bola Tinubu, adding that the killings and insurgency has been on before he assumed office, the President has been working hard to tackle the menace of killings and ensure peace and economic growth of the nation.”
The outspoken cleric commended the United States President, Donald Trump for his recent public declaration to intervene and help end the killings and other crises ravaging Nigeria. Bishop Orire said Trump’s statement reflects “a voice of courage and global conscience,” describing the move as timely and necessary in saving the soul of Africa’s most populous nation.
“I salute the courage of President Donald Trump for speaking out at this critical time of our nation when many world leaders have chosen silence,” he stated. “Nigeria has become a slaughterhouse for innocent Christians and Muslims, and it appears our leaders are overwhelmed or cannot handle the situation. If America or the international community can lend their voice and support to stop the bloodshed, it should be welcomed by all lovers of peace and justice.”
Bishop Orire, who has been a consistent advocate for good governance and national revival, further warned that the persistent killings, political unrest, and economic hardship in Nigeria are symptoms of deeper moral decay and leadership failure. He said it is time for the Nigerian government to rise beyond rhetoric and take concrete steps toward protecting all citizens regardless of faith or ethnicity.
“The Nigerian government must understand that 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, no matter their background, face the full weight of the law.”
Reacting to critics who argue that foreign intervention undermines Nigeria’s sovereignty, Bishop Orire maintained that international attention is sometimes necessary when a government appears to fail in its primary duty of protecting its citizens. He reminded Nigerians that peace and justice are universal values that transcend borders and politics.
“When government efforts can no longer guarantee the safety of its people, the international community has a moral obligation to speak,” he said. “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 declared. “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.”
“To say Christians and Muslims are not being killed in Nigeria is a lie, I outrightly condemned such action which has continued to occur without proper checks. I was shocked when some people were pointing accusing fingers on Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), that the body be held responsible. This is totally bad and evil in the sight of God.
“Not only Christians have been killed in Nigeria, fellow Muslim brothers too have been killed and slaughtered. It is high time the leaders called a meeting inviting religious leaders and stakeholders to a round table in order to find a lasting peace for the people and the nation as a whole.
Bishop Orire who commended President Bola Tinubu’s leadership said the shedding of blood in some parts of the country is not worth any ambition, adding that if President Trump says he is going to intervene, he should be allowed to do so.
According to him, the leadership of the nation should declare fasting and prayer as a matter of urgency to seek the face of God on the development.
“Islam as I know is a religion of peace, just as Christianity, I do not have anything against any religion, I also want to say that not all Yoruba, Fulani or Igbo are criminals, but government should try and fish out the bad ones among the people and make them face the full wrath of the law so that the nation can peaceful.
He called on the leaders of the country to focus more on quality security, and provisions of social amenities capable of eradicating suffering of the people
In his concluding remarks, Bishop Orire urged Nigerians not to lose hope despite the grim realities, assuring that God would soon bring justice and restoration to the nation. “The light of God will shine again on this land,” he said. “No matter how dark the night may be, the dawn of deliverance is coming. Nigeria shall rise again.”
