The General Overseer of Living Faith Church Worldwide, Bishop David Oyedepo, has publicly reacted to the recent United States airstrikes targeting ISIS terrorists in Sokoto State, Nigeria. In a message that has since gone viral, the influential cleric framed the military action as a form of divine judgement, declaring that 'judgement has begun' against persecutors of Nigerians.
Oyedepo's Divine Interpretation of Military Action
Bishop Oyedepo's reaction came after a news report confirmed the airstrikes, which were reportedly ordered by US President Donald Trump. The attack followed a prior warning from Trump to terrorists over alleged attacks against Christians in the region.
In a clip shared from his message, reposted on social media platform X by @DavidOFakayode, Oyedepo addressed the situation spiritually. He recounted what he described as a directive from God and referenced a 'seven midnight prayer raid' in which his congregation participated.
'For the first time in almost 20 years, the persecutors are smelling,' Oyedepo stated. 'The Holy Ghost called for a seven midnight prayer raid. You were part of it and the result is here today. It is just beginning.'
He made powerful declarations, asserting that those who cause suffering would face retribution. 'All those who make others mourn, they will mourn, all those who slaughtered the children of others, their own will be slaughtered,' he proclaimed.
Public Reaction and Social Media Debate
The bishop's statements quickly sparked a significant buzz and debate online, drawing mixed reactions from netizens. While some supported his spiritual perspective, others criticized the timing and nature of his comments.
User @EkeneDike3 expressed skepticism, calling out the spiritual framing of a geopolitical event: 'Shame on the f@ke pastor, so now he's making it look like spiritual thing... I pray that God will deliver you and others.'
Another user, @Abraganelson, questioned Oyedepo's prior silence: 'When the killing was going on he was never vocal about it but it is now he want to speak on it.'
Criticism also came from @RemiMartins123, who used a Nigerian proverb to imply opportunism: 'Monkey dey work baboon dey chọp... While the usa is having sleepless nights and brainstorming our senior pastor is cashing out on his gullible congregants.'
User @n_ikay_ pointedly noted a pattern: 'God always tells them after the fact. Una never tire for their tactics abi.'
Context and Broader Implications
The US military action and Oyedepo's subsequent reaction have placed a spotlight on the complex security situation in Northern Nigeria and the diverse ways Nigerians interpret foreign intervention. The airstrike represents a significant escalation in direct foreign military involvement within Nigeria's borders to combat terrorism.
Bishop Oyedepo concluded his message by urging gratitude, stating, 'God told me I have heard you and I have stepped in. How many of you have noticed that God has stepped in. Give thanks to God for stepping into the affairs of Nigeria.' He emphatically added, 'Fire is burning and judgment has landed. For the first time, the persecutors are now becoming persecuted.'
This event continues to generate discussion, intersecting themes of faith, security, sovereignty, and the role of international actors in Nigeria's internal conflicts.
