President of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), Bishop Francis Wale Oke, has strongly condemned the recent killings of 16 travellers in Uromi, Edo State, allegedly by members of a vigilante group. The PFN leader called for justice and the immediate establishment of state police to curb the growing insecurity across the country.
Speaking to journalists at the Cornerstone City along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Bishop Oke described the killings as “uncalled for” and stressed that every Nigerian should have the right to move freely and safely across the nation.
“PFN condemns the killings that took place in Edo State where people were mistaken to be kidnappers and were attacked. We condemn it in categorical terms. It was uncalled for. Every Nigerian should be able to move freely in any part of the nation,” he said.
Bishop Oke urged Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State and Governor Abba Yusuf of Kano State to work together to ensure that the perpetrators are brought to justice, stating that such actions should not go unpunished.
“We urge the governors to cooperate and fish out the perpetrators to serve as a deterrent to others. Lives are sacred. And people, no matter the part of the nation they come from, should be able to move freely anywhere in Nigeria,” he added.
Highlighting the urgent need for systemic reform in security management, the PFN President called for the establishment of state police, stating that reliance on vigilante groups for security is unsustainable and dangerous.
He also emphasized that the seriousness shown in investigating the Edo killings should be replicated across the country wherever violence occurs.
Bishop Oke commended President Bola Tinubu for what he described as “pragmatic leadership,” and wished him a happy birthday, noting that Nigeria needs wisdom and decisive action in addressing its security challenges.
