My beloved brothers and sisters in Christ,
Grace and peace be unto you in the mighty name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Today, the 15th day of June, 2026, my heart is heavy. I speak not as a politician, but as a pastor who has sat with widows, prayed over fresh graves, comforted orphaned children, and listened to the cries of families who have lost everything.
For many Christian communities across Nigeria, the fear has not ended. In many villages, people still go to sleep wondering if they will live to see another sunrise. Churches gather for worship with anxiety. Farmers go to their fields not knowing whether they will return to their wives and children. Families are displaced, and many innocent people continue to suffer from violence and insecurity.
One year after the terrible tragedy in Yelwata, the pain remains fresh in our hearts. We remember the mothers who never returned home, the fathers who died protecting their children, and the innocent souls whose only desire was to live in peace and worship God freely. Their blood still cries out for justice.
The Holy Bible says in Psalm 34:18,
"The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit."
I have walked among brokenhearted people. I have seen children asking where their parents are. I have met old men who spent a lifetime building a home only to watch it burn in a single night. I have prayed with women whose tears have become their daily bread.
Yet, despite all this pain, we refuse to surrender our faith.
Jesus Himself warned us in John 16:33:
"In this world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world."
Our cry today is not for revenge. Our cry is for justice, for protection of innocent lives, and for a Nigeria where no person should fear because of their faith, ethnicity, or community.
I also call upon the conscience of the world. Do not look away from the suffering of ordinary Nigerians. Hear the voices of the displaced. Remember the wounded. Stand with the widows and the orphans. Pray for those who mourn and work for peace and accountability. International organizations have recently raised concerns about ongoing violence affecting Christian communities and other vulnerable groups in Nigeria.
To every Christian who is afraid today, remember the words of Romans 8:35:
"Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword?"
The answer is no.
No bullet can kill the Gospel.
No fire can burn the Church of Christ.
No act of terror can destroy the hope that God has planted in His people.
We will continue to preach.
We will continue to pray.
We will continue to love.
We will continue to stand for truth.
And we believe that one day, according to Isaiah 2:4, nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war anymore.
May God comfort every grieving family.
May God heal our wounded land.
May God grant wisdom to our leaders.
And may the Prince of Peace reign over Nigeria.
In Jesus' mighty name.
Amen.