By Oluseye Ojo
Bishop Wale Oke, President of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), has called for justice for the 16 travellers killed in Uromi, Edo State, a week ago. He also seeks justice for victims of brutal attacks nationwide.
The PFN sees the Uromi killings as a national crisis needing urgent government action. Oke spoke to reporters at Cornerstone City on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway. He demanded accountability, justice, and state police to bring peace.
Last Friday, a vigilante group in Uromi brutally slew 16 travellers, mistaking them for kidnappers. “We categorically condemn these killings,” Oke said. “Every Nigerian should be able to move freely anywhere in the nation. Lives are sacred, and it is critical that those responsible are brought to justice.”
He urged Edo Governor Monday Okpebholo and Kano Governor Abba Yusuf to team up, find the culprits, and punish them. This, he said, would stop more violence. “We must avoid reprisal attacks; two wrongs do not make a right,” he warned, asking leaders to stay wise and calm to break the cycle of bloodshed.
Oke stressed that the same energy against the Edo killings must apply to violence in Benue, Plateau, Taraba, Ondo, Ekiti, and the South East. “The same fervour with which the killing in Edo State was condemned must be applied nationwide. We cannot afford to be selective in our outrage,” he stated.
He renewed his push for state police. “Vigilantes should not be the primary source of security; we need a structured and accountable police force that is closer to the communities it serves,” he said. He worried about vigilante groups acting unchecked, leading to tragedies like Uromi.
Oke also praised President Bola Tinubu’s leadership. “So far, so good; the president has been doing exceptionally well. He met so many challenges and messes on the ground. He has to clean up security, economic, political, and educational messes. He has been doing quite some good jobs. And we’re thankful to God for him. He’s a courageous and pragmatic man. He is an astute strategic politician. We are praying for him that the Lord will continue to stand by him, to help him to lead Nigeria into greater heights,” he said.
“So, Mr. President, on behalf of over 86 million Pentecostals in Nigeria and across the Diaspora, we wish you a happy birthday. And we want to thank you for sending us a congratulatory message when we emerged for the second time as the National President,” he added.