Church Raises Alarm Over Worsening Violence, calls for Intensive Prayer
December, 9th 2025
By EERC, Akure,
Amid Nigeria’s escalating security challenges, the Apostolic Faith Church has declared intensified national prayer sessions, insisting that the crisis has reached a level where political solutions are no longer sufficient. The Ekiti State Area Overseer and member of the Board of Trustees for West and Central Africa, Rev. (Prof.) Joseph Oba Fatoba, said only consistent prayer can pull the nation back from its current descent.
Speaking at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Press Centre in Akure on Tuesday as part of activities ahead of the 2025 Ondo/Ekiti Camp Meeting, Rev. Fatoba lamented the worsening insecurity, noting that citizens across all age groups and social classes have become disillusioned.
“I am not satisfied, our leaders are not satisfied, and even the little children are not satisfied,” he said, stressing that the situation had compelled the church’s leadership to issue a directive for continuous prayer across the region.
He quoted the District Superintendent, Rev. Isaac Adigun, has instructing all members of the Apostolic Faith Church in West and Central Africa to “go on their knees and pray,” describing the prayer as
“stronger than any two-edged sword or any bomb,”with the capacity to “pull down every stronghold troubling this nation.”
Rev. Fatoba revealed that the church began intensified nationwide prayer sessions two weeks earlier and would not relent until God intervenes. According to him,
“All our politicians have tried, all of us have tried. The only way out now is to call on God to avert these challenges.”
Addressing concerns that Christians might be targeted by criminals, he clarified that the insecurity crisis affects all Nigerians.
“Insecurity affects everybody—Christians, Muslims, and others. It is now a national issue. If we try to tie it only to religion, we may fail in fighting it. The devil is behind what is happening,”
he stated.
He added that because of the unpredictability of attacks, all Apostolic Faith churches in the region now operate with security personnel during services.
“Formerly, it was not like that. On Sundays, while people are worshipping, there must be security men on duty. We don’t want any problem to arise unexpectedly.”
Fatoba noted that the daily and weekly prayer programmes are open to all Nigerians, not just church members.
“This thing is not meant for Apostolic Faith alone. We are praying for Nigeria. Anyone who wants to join should come… Tell people in your workplace, in your street, everywhere, that a prayer is going on for this country.”
He added that all Sunday services will now be dedicated entirely to prayers for the nation, while weekday sessions will hold between 4–6 p.m. or 5–7 p.m., depending on the location.
Rev. Fatoba also announced that the 2025 Ondo–Ekiti Camp Meeting will run from December 14 to 21 at the church headquarters in Ijoka, Akure. The annual convocation, he said, will feature Bible teachings, revival services, youth programmes, music concerts, and hybrid participation aimed at spiritual renewal, salvation, sanctification and Holy Ghost baptism.
NUJ Chairman Response
Responding, the Ondo State NUJ Chairman, Prince Leke Adegbite, commended the church for standing in the gap for the nation.
“Your prayers are part of what is keeping our country today. In some nations, a fraction of what we face would have scattered them. But God has been merciful because of men and women who pray silently for this nation,”he said.
Adegbite pledged the NUJ’s support in publicizing the church’s activities.
“Within our capacity, we will promote what you are here to do in Ondo State,”
he assured.
Among those who accompanied the Overseer were the Ondo State Area Overseer, Rev. Joseph Adeboye Aro; Rev. Isaac Fasanu, Zonal Pastor; Rev. Henry Akimbobola, Zonal Pastor; Rev. Felicia Adedulu, Pastor, Gaga Church; Prof. Bankole Oladumiye, Pastor at FUTA; Brother Adewale Famori; and Sister Bola Otite.
