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By Lawrence Agbo
The Presiding Bishop of Living Faith Church Worldwide, popularly known as Winners’ Chapel, David Oyedepo, has warned that Nigeria is being pushed to the edge by persistent terrorist attacks and worsening insecurity, urging the international community to step up support for efforts to restore peace.
Oyedepo made the appeal during the 2026 Faith Defender Award Gala held at the Hilton Garden Inn on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., where his keynote address was delivered on his behalf.
According to a statement by the President of Save Nigeria Group USA, Stephen Osemwegie, the cleric described the country’s security situation as dire, saying years of terrorist violence had left Nigeria “virtually at the brink of collapse.”
“My heart bleeds,” Oyedepo said as he lamented the continued killings and destruction caused by insurgents and other armed groups.
He also endorsed proposed legislation in the United States aimed at strengthening accountability for terrorism-related atrocities in Nigeria, stressing the need for greater international cooperation to confront the country’s security challenges.
Also speaking at the event, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Pastor Enoch Adeboye, appealed to the United States and its allies to intensify support for Nigeria’s fight against insecurity.
“If you want to help us, help us more. No matter who is in office in Nigeria, only God can help us. Use your influence to help us,” Adeboye said.
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The cleric also commended United States President Donald Trump for his stance against terrorism, saying, “Thank God for Trump. He means business,” while noting that he did not agree with all of the US leader’s positions.
Former US Ambassador-at-Large for International Religious Freedom, Sam Brownback, warned that Nigeria could slide into violent civil unrest if the insecurity crisis remains unresolved.
“Nigeria is at a fork in the road. Address this insecurity or face violent civil unrest,” he cautioned.
Human rights advocate Dr Katrina Swett also called for greater American involvement in promoting religious freedom and supporting victims of extremist violence, saying the United States had significant influence to assist Nigeria.
Meanwhile, Osemwegie urged the US Congress to pass the Nigeria Religious Freedom and Accountability Act, arguing that it would strengthen accountability for terrorism-related crimes.
The event, themed “Thank You, America,” concluded a week-long advocacy campaign involving engagements with US lawmakers aimed at deepening international cooperation against terrorism.
President Donald Trump was also honoured with the 2026 Faith Defender Award in recognition of what organisers described as his administration’s commitment to promoting religious freedom and combating terrorism worldwide.
