Protect your life or die waiting, Paul Enenche warns Nigerians

Senior pastor Paul Enenche of Dunamis International Gospel Centre has reignited discussion on self-defence in Nigeria.

The preacher shared an old video from 2018 on X on Saturday. In it, he said every Nigerian has a God-given and constitutional right to protect themselves.

He wrote:
“While we keep praying and trusting God for divine intervention in our nation, this video is a timely reminder of your God-given and constitutional right to self-defense. We do not promote violence or confrontation, but every citizen has the right to protect themselves if their peace or safety is threatened. Stay prayerful. Stay alert. Stay safe.”

In the video, Pastor Enenche cited Section 59 of the Penal Code, saying: “Anything a person does in order to prevent himself from being killed, whatever it is, it is not an offence.”

He condemned those who kill or threaten lives and escape punishment. “What is the useless nonsense about those who claim they have the right to take life at will and then go unarrested? The end of it has come,” he said.

Anticipating criticism for quoting the law, Enenche responded: “People will say, as a pastor, it is constitution you are sharing.”

He also referenced Scripture. From Genesis 9:6, he reminded viewers: “Whoso sheddeth man’s blood, by man shall his blood be shed.”

Pastor Paul Enenche quoted Revelation 13:10: “He that killeth with the sword must be killed with the sword.”

The sermon comes amid growing insecurity across Nigeria. Kidnappers recently abducted 25 schoolgirls in Kebbi State, while over 200 students were seized from St. Mary’s Catholic School in Niger State.

These incidents are part of a disturbing trend of attacks targeting schools, travellers, and communities, leaving citizens anxious and fearful.

The message also resonates with ongoing reports of violence against Christians in parts of Nigeria, which many have described as systematic attacks on religious communities.