No To 'Repentant Terrorists' Concept, Nigerians Demand Full Prosecution, Says PFN National President
The National President of Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) Bishop Dr. Wale Oke, has rejected the "repentant terrorists' concept, insisting that justice must come before any talk of repentance.”
Oke, who visited Calabar to attend 70th Birthday Anniversary of Bishop Mrs Ofonmbuk Archibong, said the level of insecurity in the country is alarming and demands urgent attention rather than trying to et criminals.
Speaking at Margaret Ekpo International Airport Calabar, at the weekend, Oke said 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 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 mobilized: “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.”
