PFN calls for national repentance, demands release of abducted Oyo pupils

Mercy Iheoma Ihedigbo

Lagos State Mainland Province, Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) has called on Nigerians to return to God in genuine repentance, saying such spiritual renewal remains the pathway to peace, security and national restoration.

The fellowship also condemned the continued captivity of schoolchildren abducted in Oyo State, demanding their immediate and safe release to ease growing public anxiety and trauma among affected families.

The call was made on Saturday during the PFN’s annual May 30 revival programme themed “Help from Above,” held simultaneously across various provinces of the fellowship.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the revival was organised to draw attention to the dangers of drifting away from God and the urgent need for repentance amid rising insecurity and social challenges confronting the nation.

The event, held at the Bariga Primary School Complex in Lagos, featured prayers, praise worship, deliverance sessions and exhortations aimed at encouraging spiritual revival among Nigerians.

Speaking during the programme, the Guest Preacher, Pastor Andrew Umoh, said the theme “Help from Above” reflected the difficult state of the nation and humanity’s need for divine intervention.

Umoh, who is also the Lead Pastor of International Miracle Service (IMS), said many people’s prayers were being hindered because of sin and disobedience to God.

According to him, mankind’s sinful nature has created opportunities for Satan to obstruct people’s supplications, making positive outcomes increasingly elusive.

“Help from above is about creating access for God’s assistance to come upon mankind freely, like rainfall from heaven without hindrance,” he said.

“This accessibility to heaven’s grace requires repentance, atonement for sin, and inviting God to heal the land from the numerous crises confronting humanity.

“Satan cannot be obedient to you when you are not obedient to God. As individuals, we must obey God to gain the spiritual authority to overcome the devil and his antics.”

The cleric described insecurity as a global concern but lamented the increasing cases of schoolchildren being abducted by terrorists and criminal elements.

He particularly expressed concern over the plight of the Oyo State pupils who were abducted over a week ago, noting that the traumatic experiences faced by children in captivity could have lasting psychological effects.

Umoh urged security agencies and relevant authorities to intensify efforts toward securing the immediate release of the children and tackling the broader challenge of insecurity in the country.

Also speaking at the event, the Mainland PFN Chairman, Pastor Chinedu Momah, said the revival programme was designed to call people back to repentance and seek divine intervention for the nation.

Momah, who was represented by the PFN Mainland General Secretary, Pastor Moses Mboso, stressed that true help and lasting solutions could only come from God.

He lamented that the country was currently facing enormous social and economic challenges and said addressing them should not be left to government officials alone.

“The nation is not in its best shape. The responsibility of rebuilding the country should not rest on political leaders alone; every citizen has a role to play,” he said.

“Everyone of us should seek God sincerely in repentance for Him to renew our land and bless us with peace, unity and security.”

The revival attracted members of the PFN, worshippers and residents from different parts of Lagos State.