Dare Babalola
The Founder of The Omnipotence Mission of God, Pastor Oloruntimilehin Daramola, has advised his congregation to seek “spiritual fortification” against gunshots, suggesting they use unconventional methods like getting bees to chase attackers or employing charms for protection.
He emphasised this during a sermon, stating, “You members, go and do something that can protect you. If they come with guns to your surroundings, they should face each other and shoot each other. Or get bees to chase them. If they come to your church, they should be dead before getting there”.
Daramola justified this advice citing insecurity in Nigeria, referencing attacks like the Owo church massacre, and implying prayer alone isn’t enough for immediate protection in violent encounters.
He warned he would “pursue” members who do not comply, framing it as a shepherd’s duty to protect his flock.
The cleric also advised President Bola Tinubu and other Nigerian leaders to license guns for all citizens, including wives and children, stating “when we all have guns, nobody will threaten the other.”
Additionally, Pastor Daramola called for Nigeria’s regions to separate “with peace and love” if the union isn’t working, referencing the 1914 amalgamation of Hausa, Igbo, and Yoruba lands.
He said, “If it is no longer working, let us separate with the same peace and love, without fighting or shedding blood. Maybe this will make this country better.”
This isn’t an isolated incident. Nigeria is grappling with escalating insecurity, including banditry, kidnappings, like the recent St. Mary’s school abduction of over 300 children, and terror attacks, prompting debates on security strategies.
Other religious leaders, like Pastor Adeboye, have contradicted such advice, urging Christians not to buy guns for self-defense.
