Outspoken clergyman and General Overseer of Omega Fire Ministries, Apostle Johnson Suleman, has delivered a strong message to the Federal Government of Nigeria, condemning the continued killings in Benue State and calling on citizens to defend themselves.
Reacting to the escalating violence in the state, Suleman urged the federal authorities to acknowledge their limitations if they can no longer guarantee the safety of Nigerians.
“If the federal government knows it’s overwhelmed or its security architecture has failed, they should be humble enough to tell the citizens,” he stated in a strongly worded message shared via social media.
The fiery preacher condemned the bloodshed in Benue, describing it as “evil, barbaric, and a mayhem” that cannot be allowed to continue unchecked.
“Self-defence is enshrined in the constitution. I said it when I visited Jos and Benue — we can’t keep watching this happen,” he declared.
“People of Benue, defend yourselves.”
Apostle Suleman also expressed frustration over what he termed the political class’s misplaced priorities, noting that politicians were already focused on the 2027 general elections while citizens were being slaughtered in 2025.
“It’s ridiculous that people are thinking of 2027 whilst mayhem is being unleashed in 2025 on citizens they are supposed to govern… What happened to your humanity?”
Quoting the famous phrase “There was a country,” Suleman’s message struck a somber tone as he lamented the state of security and leadership in Nigeria.
His comments have sparked widespread reactions online, with many Nigerians echoing his concerns about insecurity after about 200 people including five security personnel and internally displaced persons, IDPs, as well as children and women, were recently killed in a bloody attack by terrorists.
The recent attack took place in Yelewata and Daudu communities in Guma Local Government Area, LGAs, of Benue state.
The latest killings have added to a growing list of attacks that have left thousands displaced and grieving.
A growing number of Nigerians on social media are now demanding that the Federal Government declare a state of emergency in Benue State.
