…suggests self-defence measures to endangered communities

…as Pastor Adeboye foresees more natural disasters

By Bukola Olamona

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In an unprecedented appeal for urgent national action, Pastor Enoch Adeboye, General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, and Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Oluwatosin Ajayi, have called on Nigerians to confront the country’s escalating security and safety challenges head-on.

Pastor Adeboye, during the April edition of the Holy Ghost Night at Redemption Camp, along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, urged Nigerians to step up prayers to prevent natural disasters, such as flooding, fire outbreaks, and air accidents, from ravaging the country.

He emphasised that while the year is already progressing, negative prophecies made earlier in the year could still come to fruition unless the nation unites in prayer.

“It is not yet over. We must pray more so that all the negative prophecies declared at the beginning of the year will not be fulfilled,” Adeboye warned, calling on Nigerians to pray against flooding, especially in areas with no prior history of such devastation.

On the other hand, in a chilling call for action, Ajayi has urged Nigerian communities to take security matters into their own hands in light of the worsening insecurity across the country.

Speaking at a high-level security forum, Ajayi stressed that it is no longer sufficient to rely solely on conventional security forces like the Army, Police, or DSS to combat terrorism, banditry, and other criminal activities.

He called for the mobilisation of communities and their preparation to defend themselves.

“You do not expect the Nigerian Army, Police or DSS to protect every Nigerian or every community. It is not going to work,” Ajayi stated.

“We must start preparing communities to defend themselves.”

Citing recent successes in Bauchi State, particularly in Tafawa Balewa and Bogoro, where residents fought back Boko Haram fighters, Ajayi praised these local resistance efforts, describing them as a blueprint for national self-defence.

He further highlighted the need for collaboration between influential Nigerians, local communities, and security agencies to create a legal framework supporting local defence initiatives.

“This is no longer the time for talk shows,” Ajayi said in his closing remarks.  Security begins with all of us. Communities must rise now. The time to act is now.”

Both leaders’ statements reflect a growing sense of urgency regarding Nigeria’s security and safety, calling for a dual focus on divine intervention through prayer and practical, community-based action to safeguard the nation.