Popular Nigerian cleric, Pastor David Ibiyeomie of Salvation Ministries, has called on Nigerians—particularly Christians in the northern region—to take steps to defend themselves as terrorist attacks intensify across the country.
The preacher made the remarks during a recent sermon while reacting to the renewed wave of killings and mass abductions by bandits, including the attack on Christian worshippers in Kwara State.
Referencing the biblical account of Peter carrying a sword while accompanying Jesus, Pastor Ibiyeomie urged Christians to equip themselves for self-defence, symbolically advising them to “buy walking sticks” to protect their communities.
“Peter didn’t borrow the sword to cut the servant’s ear; it was the sword they were carrying,” he said.
“While you pray, carry a walking stick. Peter carried the sword in case someone wanted to molest Jesus. Everybody in the northern churches, go and buy your own walking stick so when they want to attack, come out.”
He added that the trend of violent assaults on worship centres would reduce if congregations were prepared to defend themselves.
“This nonsense of going to attack church will stop. When they come, you too fire back. The thing wey dem de carry, you no know where them de buy am?” he added.
Nigeria’s security situation has sharply deteriorated in recent days. Within the week, terrorists attacked worshippers in Kwara State, abducted students from a government school in Kebbi State, and invaded a Catholic church in Niger State, heightening public fears and prompting renewed calls for decisive action from authorities.