The President of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria has commended Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for urging an end to the killing of Christians in Nigeria, calling it a timely intervention. Christian leaders highlight ongoing insecurity but note improvements this Christmas season.
On December 26, 2025, Bishop Francis Wale Oke, President of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), praised Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's call for an end to the killing of Christians in Nigeria. He described the statement as 'timely and courageous,' reflecting growing international concern over persistent attacks, kidnappings, and church destructions.
'We appreciate the concern expressed by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over the plight of Christians in Nigeria. His statement echoes the cries of millions of Nigerians who have suffered violence, persecution and injustice simply because of their faith,' Bishop Oke said.
He emphasized that while international voices are vital, the Nigerian government bears primary responsibility for protection. 'This is a wake-up call to the Nigerian authorities. Our people should not need foreign leaders to remind us of the sanctity of human life. The continuous killing of Christians, farmers and innocent citizens must stop,' he added.
Bishop Oke urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and security agencies to adopt proactive measures, purge the system of moles, and bring perpetrators to justice. He also warned against unconstitutional actions and called for accountability.
Meanwhile, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), led by Archbishop Daniel Okoh, visited President Tinubu's residence on the same day to felicitate Christmas and commend governance efforts. Okoh noted a peaceful Christmas without church attacks, unlike previous years. 'This Christmas is special... the first Christmas in many years that we were not woken up in the middle of the night with phone calls reporting attacks on churches,' he said.
Okoh expressed optimism about renewed security efforts in response to international concerns, including from the US, and pledged CAN's partnership for national development.
Separately, the Northern Christian Association of Nigeria demanded a thorough probe into terror financiers.
