The National President of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), Bishop Wale Oke, has said that mass killings across Nigeria should not be viewed through a religious lens.
Oke explained that both Christians and Muslims have been victims of rising violence in the country, he said during an interview.

The PFN is celebrating its 40th anniversary nationwide, while urging Christians to remain steadfast in Christ, he called on the government to intensify efforts to stop the bloodshed and ensure that no innocent Nigerian loses their life due to insecurity or attacks.

“Our position is that genocide exists, but it is not just about Christians, we don’t want Muslims to die; we don’t want Christians to die” he said.

He emphasised that Nigeria’s prolonged security challenges have tested the unity of its people but said the church continues to play a vital role in holding the nation together through prayer, advocacy, and moral guidance.

Oke condemned reports that divide Nigerians especially in the religious point of view.

“If our nation were as bad as we think it is, none of us would still be here. There are positive things happening in Nigeria, and we must begin to highlight them,” he said.

The PFN was founded in 1985 and it brings together millions of Pentecostal churches under one umbrella, promoting unity, evangelism, and moral leadership.

Oke said the fellowship’s founding vision to strengthen the body of Christ and promote righteousness in national life remains relevant today.

He noted that Pentecostal churches have made major contributions to Nigeria’s development beyond the pulpit, particularly in education, health, and social services.

“The Pentecostals run the largest number of private Christian universities in the country,” he said.

Oke said the PFN had established a Department of Politics and Governance to encourage Christians to participate in governance and leadership.

The department, led by a former lawmaker, Reverend Femi Emmanuel, trains church members on political engagement and civic responsibility.

He explained that the focus is to bridge the gap between faith and governance.

“We don’t want to stop at praying; we want to raise godly people who will lead with integrity.” he said.

Oke also acknowledged internal challenges within the PFN, particularly in uniting Nigeria’s diverse Pentecostal movements.

He said the fellowship is strengthening accountability structures, promoting doctrinal alignment, and creating a national register to distinguish genuine Pentecostal churches from impostors.

Commenting on the PFN’s growth, he said the organisation now represents about 65 million believers across the country.

“Can you imagine a Nigeria without the Pentecostal movement? The level of chaos would have been worse. Our prayers and teachings have prevented evil from taking over this nation,” Oke said.