PFN Rejects ‘Repentant Terrorists’ Concept, Demands Full Prosecution

National president of Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), Bishop Wale Oke, has urged the federal government to intensify efforts against killings and kidnappings nationwide.

Oke, who said this in Calabar, Cross River State at the 70th birthday of Bishop Ofonmbuk Archibong, rejected the idea of “repentant terrorists”, saying “There’s nothing like repentant terrorists.”

He argued that “justice must come before any talk of repentance.”

Speaking yesterday at Margaret Ekpo International Airport Calabar, Oke  his delegation came “in the name of the Lord to bless the state, the government, and good people of Cross River State.” He also thanked the PFN state chairman, Dr. Trinity Ogar, for the welcome.

Oke insisted violent criminals must face full legal consequences: “There is no expiry date on killing or murder. You kill people. You kidnap children. You go to jail and spend your life behind bars. So if you are repenting, go and repent in prison.” He called for the terminology “repentant terrorists” to be abolished.

He warned that integrating former terrorists into security structures “compromising the security of the entire nation.” He added.

“If any of them is caught, they should be made to face the full wrath of the Law”, stressing that Cross River’s insecurity is “just little as compared to killing happening in other part of Nigeria.”

To address the crisis, Oke said churches nationwide have been mobilised: “That’s why we’ve recommended all State in Nigeria to fast and pray, cry to the God of Heaven to intervene.”

He also supported changes, including service chiefs, stating “Whatever changes are needed to end the killings and the abduction of our children is good.”

While acknowledging government efforts, Oke said results matter most: “The government says they are trying, they are working. We Thank them for what you are doing. But until kidnapping stops and the killings stop, you are not doing anything.” He concluded,

“The first responsibility of any government is the security of the Nigeria, the lives and the property bring the full weight of the military to the ground to keep Nigeria safe.”