In the wake of the devastating attack on Christ Apostolic Church worshippers in Eruku, Kwara State, fear and uncertainty continue to ripple through the Christian community across Nigeria. Rising incidents of abductions, killings, and assaults on worship centres have left manyespecially the youths, young ministers, rural pastors, and missionaries are struggling with anxiety about their safety and future. In moments like this, the Church looks to voices of clarity, courage, and spiritual direction.
Pastor Emmanuel Olatoro Odejobi, the General Superintendent of Christ Apostolic Church, Nigeria & Overseas, stands out as one of such authoritative voices, widely respected as an exceptional crisis manager with decades of hands-on experience across diverse contexts, he has consistently provided guidance in turbulent times. His leadership has helped stabilize regions, reassure anxious believers, and uphold the Church’s mission even in hostile environments. In this conversation, he speaks directly to the concerns of the faithful; reminding ministers of the importance of their duty posts, warning that neglecting one’s divine assignment leaves the saints vulnerable, and offering wisdom for navigating these perilous days.
This interview conducted by Oladipo Oluwatosin, Publisher and Editor-in-chief of the Brain Magazine captures his reflections, counsel, and charge to the body of Christ and governments as the nation grapples with rising insecurity and Christian persecution. Excerpt:
The Brain Magazine:
Sir, the recent attack on CAC Oke-Isegun Assembly, Eruku, has shaken the nation and the Church. How do you describe what happened?
PASTOR EMMANUEL OLATORO ODEJOBI:
What happened in Eruku is painful beyond words. “Bi igi ba wó kiri, kigbe laa kigbe”-when a mighty tree falls, the cry echoes far and wide.
This attack was not only on CAC, it was on Christianity in Nigeria. Innocent worshippers were cut down in God’s house; a place meant to be a refuge.
The Scripture says, “The enemy comes to steal, to kill, and to destroy” (John 10:10). That is exactly what we witnessed. But we must remember the second part of that verse; Christ came that we might have life, even in the face of terror.
The Church is mourning, yet we are standing. We are shaken, but not shattered.
The Brain Magazine:
There is increasing fear among Christians nationwide. Some say this is religious persecution. What is your view?
ODEJOBI:
We cannot close our eyes to reality. “When you see smoke, fire is not far”- a Yoruba adage teaches us that signs must not be ignored.
There is a visible pattern of attacks targeting Christian communities.
The Bible says, “Think it not strange concerning the fiery trials which are to try you” (1 Peter 4:12). But it did not say we should normalize evil.
This is not mere insecurity; it is creeping persecution. The government must acknowledge it, confront it, and uproot it. When a church bleeds, a nation limps. No nation survives when it’s altars are under fire.
The Brain Magazine:
We have reports that pastors are requesting transfers from high-risk zones, and seminarians are declining postings. What is your message to them?
ODEJOBI:
It is true. Fear is gripping many hearts. But we must put things in perspective.
“A soldier who fears battle has forgotten why he wore the uniform.”
However, I do not condemn them. Fear is human. Even Elijah fled (1 Kings 19:3). But God asked him, “What are you doing here?”
To our pastors, I say:
Your life is precious. Use wisdom. But do not forget your calling. The safest place is the center of God’s will, not the center of a peaceful city.
To our seminarians:
The Gospel is not for soft hearts but for steadfast hearts. Remember Paul in Acts 20:24: “None of these things move me...”
But let me be clear: The Church must also do its part. We must improve welfare, security, and support systems for our ministers. We must not send our young soldiers into battle without armor.
The Brain Magazine:
Pastors' wives are also panicking. Some are urging their husbands to leave ministry posts due to insecurity. How do you respond?
ODEJOBI:
The fears of our mothers and wives are valid.
A Yoruba adage says, “A mother’s tears can melt stone.” When crisis comes, they feel the heat twice; first as wives, then as mothers.
But I encourage them:
God who called your husband also called you beside him. You are part of the ministry’s backbone.
Remember the Shunammite woman. Her household faced crisis, yet she kept declaring, “It is well” (2 Kings 4:26).
To our pastors’ wives: Stand firm. Pray without ceasing. Support your husbands. The storms do not last forever.
The Brain Magazine:
Some Christians believe the Church is spiritually vulnerable because of internal issues like unforgiveness, envy, and power tussles. Is this true?
ODEJOBI:
Let me speak plainly: Yes. It is true.
Before the enemy attacks from outside, he weakens the walls from inside. “The lizard that fell from a high tree said it would praise itself if no one else would”-meaning, no one destroys you faster than your own.
The Church today battles: bitterness, rivalry, unforgiveness, power struggles, spiritual lukewarmness
These open spiritual gates. Jesus said, “A house divided against itself cannot stand.”
The devil does not fear our noise; he fears our unity. Until we repair the altars of our hearts, attacks will continue to find holes.
The Brain Magazine:
Sir, what message do you have for the youths of CAC and Nigeria at large?
ODEJOBI:
My advice to our esteemed youths:
You are the strength of the Church. Please do not allow anger to consume you. Do not let fear cage you. Do not let social media confuse you.
“The future belongs to those who prepare for it.” All you need to do is to be vigilant not violent. Be bold, but do not be reckless. Be prayerful, but also be proactive.
Paul wrote to Timothy, “God has not given us the spirit of fear” (2 Timothy 1:7).
You are the Daniels and Esthers of this generation. Stand strong. Stand pure. Stand united.
The Brain Magazine:
What is your message to Nigerian leaders?
ODEJOBI:
Nigeria is sitting on a keg of gun powder. “If the wall cracks, the lizard finds an entrance.” Our borders are porous. Our intelligence systems are weak. Our responses are slow. We need decisive action, not condolences.
My advise For Nigeria is to Strengthen security, protect worship centers, engage local communities and punish perpetrators swiftly.
Proverbs 29:2 says, “When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice.” Leaders must lead with righteousness, courage, and integrity. A nation that ignores the cries of its innocent is sowing seeds of future unrest.
The Brain Magazine:
Finally, sir, what hope do you offer to the Church at this difficult time?
ODEJOBI:
Our hope is not in guns or governments. Our hope is in God, the Keeper of Israel who neither slumbers nor sleeps (Psalm 121:4). The gates of hell shall not prevail against the Church.
Not Boko Haram, Not bandits, Not terrorists.
Not fear.
The Church has survived persecution for 2,000 years. It will survive this too.
Let us rebuild our unity, strengthen our altars. Let us return to holiness, prayer, love, and forgiveness.
When the church bleeds, heaven responds.
When the saints cry, God rises. When the enemy comes like a flood, God raises a standard (Isaiah 59:19).
And I assure you: CAC will rise stronger. The Church will rise stronger. Nigeria will rise stronger.
PRAYER FOR CHRISTIANS AND FOR NIGERIA
O Lord, our Helper and Defender, we lift our voices like the Psalmist and cry, “Help, Lord, for the godly man ceases” (Psalm 12:1). In these troubling times when Your people are attacked, discouraged, and distressed, we ask for Your divine intervention. Strengthen Christians across Nigeria; those grieving, those fearful, and those standing in harm’s way. Surround the Church with Your protection and revive the courage, faith, and steadfastness of believers everywhere.
Father, we see wickedness walking freely on every side, as Your Word says, “When the vilest men are exalted” (Psalm 12:8). We ask You to silence every voice of terror, dismantle every system of violence, and frustrate the plans of wicked men. Let righteousness rise again in this land. Protect our homes, our churches, our communities, and the innocent whose lives are constantly threatened by evil.
Lord, we humble ourselves according to Your promise in 2 Chronicles 7:14. Forgive us- Christians, leaders, and citizens; for every sin that has opened doors to darkness. Cleanse our land from corruption, division, selfish ambition, and spiritual lukewarmness. Heal our hearts from bitterness and unforgiveness. Restore unity in the Body of Christ and help us walk in love, truth, and holiness.
Finally, O God, heal Nigeria. Let peace flow through our borders, justice reign in our institutions, and safety return to our streets. Empower our leaders with wisdom, integrity, and courage. Strengthen Christians to remain faithful and resilient. Let the light of Christ shine in every state, and let revival sweep across this nation until Nigeria becomes a testimony of Your power, mercy, and restoration.
Amen.
