A Nigerian pastor has ignited heated debate across social media after telling members of his church to pursue what he called “spiritual fortification” as a means of self-defence against rising bandit attacks.
The clergyman, speaking emphatically during a recent sermon, argued that relying solely on prayers was no longer enough in a country battling persistent insecurity. He insisted his congregation also needed personal protection.
In a message that has since gone viral, the pastor told his church: “My people must strengthen themselves spiritually. I can’t be the only one fortified while my members are left exposed. In dangerous times, faith should walk hand-in-hand with preparedness.”
He went further, urging worshippers to take drastic steps toward what he described as supernatural protection. According to him, notable cases of violence—including attacks in Kaduna—show that even devoted Christians have lost their lives despite calling on divine help.
The cleric insisted he was speaking as a “true man of God,” warning that anyone in his congregation who refused to follow his directive would have to leave the church. He claimed that with proper fortification, weapons aimed at his members would malfunction or even turn against attackers.
You May Like: Marco Silva Urges Chukwueze to Earn Fulham Starting Spot After Match-Winning Cameo
He also stated that he oversees branches in the United States, the United Kingdom, and Nigeria.
Nigerians React
The pastor’s comments triggered a wave of reactions online, ranging from outrage to mockery:
@Crypto_psalm: “Pastor don share update. Everybody go find backup now. No go die like novice.”
@SmartTrollHQ: “If charms solved anything, we wouldn’t still be crying for better security. Time to face reality.”
@AnnieSaliss: “This is the kind of Endtime preaching we were warned about.”
@Kelvin_aproko: “At least he’s admitting where his ‘powers’ come from.”
@Somorii: “Pastor dey panic. Na why him dey tell members make dem go do fortification.”
The circulating video has sparked broader conversations about the responsibility of religious leaders in times of national insecurity — and whether fear is pushing some pastors to blur the line between faith and traditional practices.
