Cleric Urges Calm Amid Global Reactions to Alleged Persecution of Nigerian Christians
The Founder of Christ Apostolic Church, Ori Oke Aanu, Ojoo, Ibadan, Prophet Moses Aladeolu, has appealed to Nigerian Christians to exercise restraint and avoid retaliatory actions in the face of alleged persecution and rising concerns over the safety of Christian communities across the country.
His comments follow renewed controversy triggered by a statement credited to former United States President, Donald Trump, alleging that Christians in Nigeria were victims of genocide. Prophet Aladeolu described the claim as “a troubling indication of the moral and spiritual decline in global leadership,” adding that such remarks, if accurate, point to a serious threat to national cohesion and religious harmony.
Aladeolu, who is also the Patron of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the Ojo area, said Christians must resist the urge to respond with anger.
“We must not fall into the temptation of seeking vengeance. Scripture makes it clear in Romans 12:19 that vengeance belongs to God. Our response must be rooted in prayer and patience, not violence,” he said.
He reinforced his position with other Biblical references, including Deuteronomy 32:35 and Proverbs 20:22, noting that Christian faith teaches forgiveness, endurance, and reliance on divine justice.
“Even when we face painful reports of attacks, Christians are expected to uphold the teachings of Christ, who instructed us to love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us,” he said.
The cleric emphasised that Nigeria’s Christian community must focus on unity and spiritual resilience rather than confrontation. “We cannot confront spiritual challenges with physical force. Prayer remains our strongest weapon,” he added.
Aladeolu also urged President Bola Tinubu to engage constructively with the U.S. government to address the implications of Trump’s comments.
“The President should request clarity from Mr. Trump or prevail on him to avoid statements capable of heightening religious tensions. Nigeria needs calm, not division,” he said.
While encouraging Christians to trust in divine justice, he cited Psalm 37:7-9 as a reminder to “be still before the Lord,” stressing that patience and faith are fundamental to navigating periods of crisis.
The prophet, however, called on the Nigerian government to reinforce its responsibility to safeguard all citizens, regardless of religious affiliation. Ensuring justice and fairness, he said, remains essential to building long-term peace and national stability.
