By: Fabian Apechihin

The President of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), Bishop Wale Oke, has decried the continued killing of Christians in parts of Nigeria, particularly in Benue State, despite global attention and condemnation from former U.S. President Donald Trump.

“Since Donald Trump spoke about this thing, the killings have still been going on in Benue State,” Bishop Oke lamented.

Speaking on Channels Television’s Morning Brief on Thursday alongside Reverend Gideon Para-Mallam, President of the Gideon and Funmi Para-Mallam Peace Foundation, the PFN leader described the situation as a “Christian genocide” that has persisted for more than 15 years.

“Indeed, there’s Christian genocide in Nigeria, and it’s been going on for over 15 years now,” Bishop Oke stated.
“This administration inherited the challenge, so we’re not blaming them for it — but we are holding them accountable for the lives of every Christian in Nigeria.”

The cleric recalled several tragic incidents, including the alleged massacre of more than 500 Christians in Dogo Nawa and the mass burial of victims in Benue on Christmas Day. He said witnessing the rows of coffins in Benue was one of the most painful experiences of his life.

“I could not hold back my tears that day when I saw the line-up of coffins,” he said. “We are not in an active war, yet innocent people are being killed simply for being Christians.”

Bishop Oke also recounted individual cases of persecution across the North, including the story of a pastor whose wife and newborn twins were brutally murdered by Boko Haram after he refused to abandon his ministry.

“They slaughtered the twins his wife had just given birth to, like rams, right in front of her,” he narrated, adding that the traumatized woman later required rehabilitation by the church.

He further referenced the abductions of Leah Sharibu and the Chibok schoolgirls, noting that the Chibok community is predominantly Christian and continues to bear the scars of targeted violence.

Reverend Para-Mallam, in his remarks, called on the Federal Government to demonstrate stronger political will in safeguarding citizens and ensuring justice for victims of religiously motivated attacks.

“We want the killings to stop. If it stops, we will be the first to acknowledge it,” Para-Mallam said.

Both clerics urged the government to treat the protection of lives and religious freedom as a moral and constitutional priority, stressing that the ongoing bloodshed remains a national tragedy demanding urgent action.

By: Fabian Apechihin

The Nigerian film industry has been thrown into mourning following the death of veteran Nollywood actor, Prince Oyewole Olowomojuore, popularly known as Baba Gebu.

The news of his passing was announced by fellow actor Kunle Afod, who shared the sad development in an emotional post on his Instagram page.

Afod expressed deep sorrow over the loss, describing Baba Gebu as a “great legend” and confirming that he passed away on Wednesday, November 12, 2025, after battling an undisclosed illness.

“It saddens my heart as I announce the passing away of our great legend, a great actor who passed away this evening after a brief illness… BABA GEBU, may your soul rest in peace,” Afod wrote while sharing photos of the late actor.

Baba Gebu enjoyed a long and impactful career in Nollywood, particularly in Yoruba-language films, where he featured in several notable productions that endeared him to audiences across Nigeria.

In 2024, the actor opened up about the passing of his wife, revealing that returning to acting helped him heal and stay away from depression.

His death has sparked an outpouring of tributes from fans and colleagues who praised his immense contribution to the Nigerian movie industry and his enduring legacy on screen.

Aside from the legality or otherwise of the actions that led to Minister Nyesom Wike’s presence on the disputed land, his uncouth conduct towards the soldier involved was deeply unbecoming of a public officer of his stature.

A soldier is a person who has sworn an oath to defend this nation, even at the cost of his life. Such individuals deserve respect, not public humiliation. By calling a uniformed soldier “a fool,” the Honourable Minister did not merely insult one man; he denigrated the dignity of the entire Armed Forces.

As an Honourable Minister, Wike’s words and actions ought to be honourable. Unfortunately, his outburst betrays a pattern of high-handedness and abuse of authority, reminiscent of his previous confrontations in Rivers State. This is not the model of leadership Nigeria needs. It should instead be a sobering moment for the Minister to reflect on how to relate respectfully with all citizens, regardless of class or status.

Had Wike exercised a measure of restraint and courtesy toward Officer Yerima, the situation might not have degenerated into a public spectacle. The soldier, by his own consistent explanation, was merely acting on orders, a fact supported by law.

Under Section 56(1) and (2) of the Armed Forces Act, a soldier is duty-bound to obey lawful commands; failure to do so may amount to insubordination. Furthermore, Section 218(1) of the 1999 Constitution vests the President with command of the Armed Forces through the established military hierarchy. The soldier, therefore, had no discretion to abandon his post unless ordered to do so by a superior officer, such as the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), who reportedly contacted him during the incident. In the absence of a contrary order, the order to remain on site remained binding.

A soldier who acts within this chain of command has committed no offence. Only the President or a superior officer acting under delegated authority can countermand such orders. The minister’s confrontation with a lawful military operation was thus procedurally inappropriate.

Public officers, especially ministers of the Federal Republic, must uphold the rule of law and institutional respect at all times. Disagreements with the military or any other agency should be addressed through proper channels, rather than through public confrontation.

This incident should serve as a cautionary tale for all public officials: the exercise of power must be matched with decorum, humility, and respect for institutions. Leadership is not about shouting commands; it is about modelling restraint, fairness, and honour.

Hamza N. Danatni Esq.
Rights Activist.
13/11/25.