In a moment that has caught many by surprise, Bishop David Oyedepo has made a bold declaration to members of his church. The cleric urged them to give his phone number to kidnappers if they are ever abducted.
The statement has quickly gained attention both online and offline.
The founder of Living Faith Church Worldwide spoke during a recent church service. He recounted past incidents involving members who were abducted.
According to him, one of his pastors was once kidnapped. He said he instructed that his number be given to the abductors.
“One time one of our pastors was carried by kidnappers, I said, ‘ Give them the phone and told them that in 24 hours if you don’t check him out you are dead. The place was vibrating on a spot and was released,” he said.
Pastor Oyedepo did not stop at sharing past experiences. He went further by giving direct instructions to his followers.
“If anybody picks you, give them my number. If he is not cut down then I am not God-sent,” he added.
In addition, the cleric shared another experience involving a female member. He described her as his “daughter.”
According to him, she was abducted but declared her release confidently. This reportedly happened without direct communication at the time.
“Another time, one of those times my daughter was captured somewhere, and she told them my father said I am getting out of here, at the latest at 7am. And I didn’t even speak with them, that was how they started cutting themselves and told her to start going,” he said.
The development has triggered different reactions among Nigerians. Some people have praised the cleric’s boldness and confidence.
Meanwhile, the issue of kidnapping remains a serious concern across the country. Many Nigerians continue to worry about safety on roads and in communities.
