Bishop David Oyedepo Declares Nigeria Will Not Become an Islamic State, Calls for Nationwide Prayer Against Insecurity

The founder and presiding bishop of Living Faith Church Worldwide, Bishop David Oyedepo, has delivered a strong message asserting that Nigeria will never transition into an Islamic state, despite rising insecurity and targeted attacks on religious communities in recent years. His remarks came during the 4th Pre-Shiloh Encounter Service held on Sunday at the Faith Tabernacle headquarters in Ota, Ogun State.

Speaking to thousands of congregants in an atmosphere charged with concern and anticipation, Oyedepo condemned the persistent killings, abductions, and assaults on defenceless citizens across the nation. He described the surge in violence as “unacceptable,” particularly attacks that have occurred within churches and Christian communities.

In his address, the cleric reassured worshippers that the Christian faith in Nigeria remains resilient despite mounting pressure. He stated emphatically: “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.” According to him, the ongoing wave of violence is part of a broader battle, but one he believes Christians are spiritually empowered to conquer. “The battle is raging. The Islamic jihadists are running. But we belong to a higher realm of authority,” he declared.

Oyedepo referenced recent attacks, noting specifically that five worshippers lost their lives in a church shooting the previous week, while about 35 abducted individuals remain unaccounted for. He expressed outrage that kidnappers were demanding one hundred million naira from residents of a small rural community—an amount he described as further evidence of the deteriorating security environment.

The bishop went on to pronounce spiritual judgement on those responsible for perpetrating and sponsoring acts of terror. “Every perpetrator of these killings and their sponsors come under a curse today,” he proclaimed, drawing loud responses from the congregation.

To address the escalating insecurity, Oyedepo announced a seven-day intensive national prayer engagement starting at midnight. He urged Christians across the country—especially those filled with the Holy Spirit—to participate actively. According to him, such unified prayer is a spiritual strategy aimed at provoking divine intervention. “When this church prays, God hears. All who are baptised in the Holy Ghost will join me in praying extensively in the spirit. By so doing, we are sending angels on a run,” he explained.

He repeated that there would be “catastrophes in the camp of the wicked,” stating this several times during the message to emphasize the urgency and seriousness of his appeal. The bishop further urged congregants to anoint their homes, offices, and communities, describing them as “no-go areas” for kidnappers, attackers, and other criminal elements.

Oyedepo added that the days when attacks against Christian worshippers would go unanswered were over, announcing that a “spiritual operation” against insecurity would begin at midnight. He did not provide additional details but emphasized that prayer, faith, and spiritual vigilance would play decisive roles in confronting the nation’s security challenges.

His message comes at a time when fear and anxiety have intensified across Nigeria due to repeated attacks by armed groups. Religious leaders nationwide have voiced concerns about targeted violence against Christians and other vulnerable groups, urging the government to strengthen security, improve intelligence gathering, and restore public confidence.

The church’s media department also released the sermon video online to extend the message beyond the sanctuary, encouraging Christians across Nigeria to unite in prayer and reaffirm confidence in the future of the country.