• Oyedepo declares divine judgment on terrorists,sponsors
• Military explains relocation of IDPs to new camp in Mongunu
• Atiku lauds troops over rescue of abducted UTME candidates in Benue

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has criticised the President Bola Tinubu administration’s plan to reintegrate almost 800 terrorists into Nigerian communities, describing it as evidence that the government is soft on terror and clueless on security.

This prompted the founder of Living Faith Church Worldwide, David Oyedepo, to declare judgment against bandits and their sponsors. The bishop said this during a church service yesterday, tagged: ‘Covenant Day of Vengeance’.

The military has explained that Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) from makeshift camps at Mongunu in Borno State were relocated to new camps after intelligence established that the makeshift structures provided a safe haven for the Boko Haram/Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters carrying out attacks in the town.

However, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has praised Nigerian soldiers for the rescue of abducted passengers, including candidates of the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), in Benue State.

ADC said Nigeria could not afford mixed signals in a fight that demands discipline and resolve, as national security is neither a guessing game nor a space for sentiment to override judgment.

The party pointed out that “the fight against terrorism requires leadership that understands the stakes and is prepared to act with firmness and clarity.”

In a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, ADC argued that framing insurgents as “brothers” or “prodigal sons”, as some officials had done in recent weeks, in addition to the Tinubu government’s terrorist reintegration plans, “reflects a dangerous misunderstanding” of terrorism as an existential threat.

It warned that reintegration without clear accountability and justice for victims indicates injustice and dangerously encourages terrorism.

Speaking at the church headquarters in Ota, Ogun State, Oyedepo declared that within seven days, divine retribution would strike those behind killings and kidnappings across Nigeria.

“Except I am not sent, in the next seven days, I declare judgment upon those responsible for these disasters and their sponsors in Jesus’ name,” he said.

The cleric added that the coming week would be marked by “testimonies of vengeance” for the nation.

He said that God’s intervention was imminent.

Preaching on pathways to sanctification, the bishop urged congregants to resist spiritual laxity, stressing that ungodliness blocks supernatural breakthroughs and stains destiny.

Following attacks by insurgents over the years on rural communities, large number of IDPs into Monguno, where they were housed in makeshift structures, but new camps had been constructed within the town to house them.

Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, HQ Sector 3 OPHK/MNJTF, Lt Ayodeji Abiodun, said the two new locations had many times come under direct attack from terrorists coming from the Marte axis.

Abiodun said that while other IDPs moved to the new camps, those from Marte axis rejected relocation and chose to remain in the makeshift structures.

Atiku, in a statement posted on his X handle yesterday, commended troops of Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) for their professionalism and dedication to duty.

“The gallant troops of OPWS have once again demonstrated courage, professionalism and an unyielding commitment to the protection of innocent Nigerians,” he said.

He specifically lauded the rescue operation along the Makurdi–Otukpo road, noting that it had helped secure the future of the affected students.

“I commend our brave men and women in uniform for the successful rescue of the abducted passengers along the Makurdi–Otukpo road, including young UTME candidates whose futures remain bright because of this timely intervention,” Atiku stated. “Their sacrifice and vigilance continue to inspire hope across our nation.”