If ISWAP, Boko Haram want to repent, leave that between them and God, send them to hëll –Wale Oke

If ISWAP, Boko Haram want to repent, leave that between them and God, send them to hëll –Wale Oke

If ISWAP, Boko Haram want to repent, leave that between them and God, send them to hëll –Wale Oke

The President of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria, Bishop Francis Wale Oke, has called on the Federal Government to adopt a firm approach against terrorism, saying insurgents should not be treated as repentant offenders after years of violence.

Speaking on the country’s security crisis, Oke argued that groups such as Boko Haram and ISWAP must face justice for the killings, kidnappings and destruction linked to them. He warned that rehabilitation programmes for surrendered fighters could undermine accountability and deepen the pain of victims.

The cleric said governance should not be handled like church forgiveness, stressing that the primary duty of the state is to protect citizens and punish crime. In his view, repentance is a spiritual matter between individuals and God, while the law must take its course on earth.

His comments echo growing public debate over how Nigeria should deal with former militants. Some officials favour reintegration to reduce conflict, but critics insist the policy weakens deterrence and ignores the scale of suffering in affected communities.

Oke maintained that national security must come first, urging authorities to prioritise the safety of Nigerians above any programme that appears to excuse violent extremism.