Prophet Samuel Raises Alarm Over Rising Kidnappings, Calls for Prayer, Justice, Unity and Collective Action

In a statement titled “Rising Kidnappings in Nigeria: A Call to Prayer, Justice, Unity, and Collective Action,” issued from his office, the cleric lamented the pain, fear and uncertainty that kidnappings have inflicted on families and communities across the country.

He said “the Office of Prophet Ikechukwu O. Samuel, General Overseer of Shiloh Word Chapel, Abuja, expresses profound concern over the persistent rise in kidnappings and other violent crimes across our nation”

“As a minister of the Gospel and a citizen deeply committed to the peace and prosperity of Nigeria, I join millions of Nigerians in mourning the pain, fear, and uncertainty that have gripped countless families and communities.”

Prophet Samuel described every incident of abduction as a painful reminder of the urgent need to safeguard human life and strengthen security across the country.

“Every report of a child taken from loving parents, a traveler abducted on the highway, a farmer seized from the field, or a worker kidnapped while pursuing an honest livelihood is a painful reminder of the urgent need to protect the sanctity of human life,” he stated.

He noted that beyond the suffering of victims and their families, kidnapping and violent crimes undermine public confidence, weaken economic activities, discourage investment and threaten national cohesion.

The cleric extended prayers and compassion to victims and their loved ones, assuring them that their pain has not gone unnoticed.

“To every family waiting anxiously for the safe return of a loved one, to those who have endured unimaginable trauma, and to communities living under the shadow of fear, I extend my heartfelt prayers and compassion. Your pain is seen, your cries are heard, and your burdens are not forgotten,” he said.

He prayed that God would strengthen affected families and grant wisdom and courage to all those working towards the rescue of victims and the pursuit of justice.

Samuel stressed that insecurity cannot be tackled by government alone, calling for greater collaboration among all stakeholders.

“The challenge before us cannot be solved by government alone. It requires the cooperation of every stakeholder in our national life,” he said.

“I therefore call upon the Federal Government, state governments, security agencies, traditional institutions, community leaders, civil society organizations, and faith-based bodies to deepen collaboration in addressing the root causes of insecurity while strengthening efforts to protect lives and property.”

The cleric commended security personnel for their sacrifices and urged continued investment in intelligence gathering, community policing, technology-driven surveillance, inter-agency cooperation and the swift administration of justice.

“Security personnel who daily place themselves in harm’s way deserve our encouragement and support,” he said.

“At the same time, continued investment in intelligence gathering, community policing, technology-driven surveillance, inter-agency cooperation, and the swift administration of justice remains essential. Criminal networks must be confronted with determination under the rule of law, while innocent citizens must be protected with fairness and respect for their dignity.”

Samuel also called on religious institutions across Nigeria to intensify prayers and become centres of hope and moral renewal.

“I urge religious institutions across Nigeria to rise to this solemn moment. Our churches, mosques, and other houses of worship should become centers of hope, moral renewal, and fervent intercession for our nation,” he said.

“Let us pray for peace in our communities, wisdom for our leaders, protection for security personnel, comfort for grieving families, and genuine transformation in the hearts of those who have embraced violence.”

Citing biblical passages, he encouraged Nigerians to embrace peace, justice and reconciliation.

“Scripture reminds us in Psalm 34:14 to ‘turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.’ Likewise, Romans 12:18 exhorts believers, ‘If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.'”

According to him, these principles challenge citizens to reject hatred, lawlessness and indifference while embracing justice, compassion and reconciliation.

The cleric further urged Nigerians to remain vigilant and responsible by cooperating with lawful security measures and reporting suspicious activities through appropriate channels.

“Be attentive to your surroundings, cooperate with lawful security measures, report suspicious activities through appropriate channels, and resist the temptation to spread unverified information that may fuel panic or hinder legitimate investigations,” he advised.

“In times of national anxiety, truth, wisdom, and calm resolve are indispensable virtues.”

He also charged parents, educators, community associations and spiritual leaders to strengthen efforts at instilling integrity, respect for human life and productive values in the younger generation.

“A society that nurtures character is better equipped to resist the lure of criminal enterprise. Long-term peace is built not only through enforcement but also through the cultivation of justice, opportunity, and moral responsibility,” he said.

Samuel urged Nigerians not to allow insecurity to divide the country along ethnic, regional or religious lines.

“As a nation of diverse cultures and faiths, Nigeria must refuse to allow fear to divide us. The blood of every innocent person cries out for justice, and the dignity of every human life must remain sacred,” he said.

“We must reject narratives that promote suspicion or hostility among ethnic, regional, or religious groups and instead strengthen the bonds of unity that enable us to confront common challenges together.”

He expressed optimism that Nigeria would overcome its current security challenges through collective efforts and divine guidance.

“The words of Isaiah 32:18 offer enduring hope: ‘My people will live in peaceful dwelling places, in secure homes, in undisturbed places of rest.’ This vision should inspire us to work toward a Nigeria where every family can travel, farm, worship, learn, and conduct business without fear,” he said.

“I remain convinced that our nation possesses the resilience, wisdom, and courage to overcome this difficult season. Through God’s guidance, responsible leadership, professional security efforts, community cooperation, and an unwavering commitment to justice and compassion, Nigeria can emerge stronger and more secure.”

The cleric concluded by praying for divine intervention and peace across the nation.

“May the Almighty grant wisdom to those entrusted with authority, protect every citizen, comfort every grieving family, and establish peace within our borders. Let us not surrender to despair but continue to labor together for a nation where righteousness, justice, and hope prevail.”

The statement was issued by the Office of Prophet Ikechukwu O. Samuel, General Overseer of Shiloh Word Chapel, Abuja.