Terrorism has reached my doorstep, says Adeboye

The General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Pastor Enoch Adeboye, has declared that terrorism and kidnapping have spread from northern Nigeria to the South, saying the country’s security crisis has reached his doorstep.

Speaking during the US-Nigeria Faith Heroes Award Gala organised by the Save Nigeria Group in Washington, D.C., on June 23, the cleric, in a video uploaded by Eagles Online on YouTube on Sunday, expressed concern over the worsening security situation, saying terrorism had spread beyond the North.

“Things have gone far, far worse than before. The terrorism, kidnapping, and so on that were in the north are now even at my doorstep. They have come all the way down to the South. And, of course, the sponsors, they are all known, and they are still moving about freely,” he said.

Despite the worsening insecurity, Adeboye also defended President Bola Tinubu against criticisms, saying the President had fulfilled his responsibility by directing the military to tackle the menace.

“I need to make this one clear: I don’t support those who are accusing the president of not doing enough. When the commander-in-chief has given instructions to his subordinates, he has done his bit. You don’t expect him to go and put on khaki and fight,” Adeboye said.

Drawing a comparison with the United States, he added, “When my friend Trump gives instructions to go and bomb anywhere, he doesn’t leave the White House. He has done his bit. ‘I hereby command, bomb Iran,’ and then he goes to his bedroom and sleeps. The rest is left to the supporters.”

Adeboye disclosed that he had discussed the country’s security challenges with President Tinubu and First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, urging the President to issue military commanders a 90-day ultimatum to eliminate terrorism or resign.

“I told him to issue directives to military officers across the armed forces and set a 90-day ultimatum: wipe out this rubbish or resign. And then take care of the supporters, the sponsors,” he said.

He alleged that the financiers of terrorism were influential individuals, including politicians and businessmen, urging the government to go after them.

“You know them. Some of them are businessmen. Some of them are politicians. Go after them. Because if you do not deal with those who are supplying these people with arms and ammunition, the problem will continue,” he said.

Adeboye also called on the United States and other countries to support Nigeria’s efforts in tackling terrorism and restoring security across the country.