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By Oluseye Ojo
The Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) has demanded justice for the 16 travellers that were slain in Uromi, Edo State, a week ago, and other victims of brutal attacks across the country.
It described the killings of the16 travellers as a national crisis that demands immediate government action.
Speaking to journalists at Cornerstone City on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway,
the PFN), Bishop Wale Oke, demanded accountability for violence, justice for victims, and the establishment of state police as essential for restoring peace.
“We categorically condemn these killings,” Bishop Oke declared. “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.”
Oke urged Governors Monday Okpebholo of Edo State, and Abba Yusuf of Kano State to work together to identify and punish the perpetrators, stressing the need for a unified response to prevent further bloodshed.
“We must avoid reprisal attacks; two wrongs do not make a right,” he added, calling for wisdom and restraint from leaders to ensure that the cycle of violence does not escalate.
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Oke pointed out that the same urgency to address the killings in Edo must extend to other states grappling with violence, including Benue, Plateau, Taraba, Ondo, Ekiti, and even the South East.
“The same fervor with which the killing in Edo State was condemned must be applied nationwide. We cannot afford to be selective in our outrage,” he stated.
The PFN president also renewed his advocacy for the establishment of state police, saying: “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 raised concerns over vigilante groups operating with impunity, which has led to tragic incidents, like the one in Uromi.
Oke, who also addressed societal challenges, took a moment to commend President Bola Tinubu for his leadership. He noted Tinubu’s efforts in confronting various national issues, from security to economic challenges.
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 go 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.
‘’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 congratulation message when we emerged for the second time as the National President.’’
