President of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), Bishop Francis Wale Oke, has strongly condemned the recent killings in Edo State and other parts of the country, urging the Federal Government to ensure that all perpetrators face justice.
It will be recalled that the tragic incident in Uromi, Edo State, where 16 travellers were reportedly killed by members of a vigilante group, has sparked widespread outrage.
Addressing journalists at the Cornerstone City along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway on Thursday, April 3, Bishop Oke called for fairness and justice, emphasising the need for urgent action to curb senseless killings nationwide.
He stated: “PFN categorically condemns the killings in Edo State where individuals were mistakenly identified as kidnappers and attacked. Such acts are unacceptable.
“Every Nigerian has the right to move freely within the country, and no one should be subjected to such brutality. We stand with all well-meaning Nigerians in condemning this atrocity.”
Bishop Oke urged the Edo State governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, and his counterpart in Kano State, Abba Yusuf, to work together to ensure that the perpetrators are apprehended and brought to justice.
“Lives are sacred, and people should not be targeted based on their origin.
“The governors must act swiftly to prevent any reprisals or further violence. The evil has been done, and retaliation is not the answer,” he added.
Bishop Wale Oke also stressed the importance of applying the same level of urgency in addressing killings in other parts of Nigeria, including Benue, Plateau, Taraba, Ondo, Ekiti, and the Southeast.
He further advocated for the establishment of state police as a solution to the nation’s security challenges, stating that vigilante groups should not be responsible for law enforcement.
In addition, the PFN President praised President Bola Tinubu for his leadership, acknowledging the challenges he inherited and commending his efforts in addressing security, economic, political, and educational issues.
“So far, the president has been doing exceptionally well. He is a courageous and pragmatic leader, and we continue to pray for his success in steering Nigeria towards greater heights,” Bishop Wale Oke remarked.
On behalf of over 86 million Pentecostals in Nigeria and the diaspora, Bishop Wale Oke extended birthday wishes to President Tinubu and expressed gratitude for the congratulatory message he received upon his re-election as PFN President.
