Allow Nigerians Bear Arms For Self-Defence, Bishop Bamidele Urges Government

Perturbed by the alarming rate of insecurity in the country, the founding Bishop of Victory Life Ministries International, Bishop Mike Bamidele, has called for the enactment of laws that would give individuals the legal right to arm themselves for self-defence.

According to the cleric, there is a need for the State Houses of Assembly, the House of Representatives, and the Senate to legislate self-defence training for Nigerians to enable citizens tackle the growing security challenges facing the country.

Speaking with journalists shortly after the ministers’ conference held to herald the 2026 Pentecost Day on Monday in Osogbo, the General Overseer of Victory Chapel International Church urged governments at all levels to permit residents to acquire a certain level of weapons for self-defence.

He also urged Christians and Christian organisations to seek support from nations around the world in the area of intelligence gathering to protect believers.

Bamidele further called for the establishment of structured security systems within religious and community institutions, noting that the country is currently facing a serious security crisis.

According to him, some groups are attempting to take over lands and communities, describing the situation as “a form of war.”

“Christians should seek help from nations of the world in the area of intelligence gathering. Christians and Christian bodies should also be trained in self-defence, and this should be legislated by the various Houses of Assembly. State and federal authorities should allow this to happen so that people can be trained in self-defence and acquire some level of weapons because we are in a war situation in this country, except we are deceiving ourselves.

“Some people want to take over lands and communities; it is a war. It is only being overly calm and nice that makes people think otherwise. Believers should be trained. If it is not allowed in the country, get trained outside the country, get equipped, and set up a security system within your establishment.

“I would like to encourage retired generals who are Christians to come and train believers, communities, and individuals on how to defend themselves and how to fight.

“Girls should be trained on how to protect themselves from rape. If a rapist attacks, they should know how to defend themselves. If a bandit comes on a motorcycle, how do I disarm him?

“There are different forms of training that can be done. How do we even prevent them from entering our environment? Other nations have gone through difficult times and overcame them, and some of the strategies they used are what I am sharing with you; they trained themselves.

“We need training at the personal, family, and community levels. Nobody should joke about it.

“God will always go ahead and make a way for His people. Humanity looks stranded, Nigerians look stranded, and it will take the supernatural power of God to make a way for us. So, for everyone alive on this Pentecost Day, ask the Holy Spirit to make a way for you -in marriage, in business, in ministry – and to help you live a holy life through the power of the Holy Ghost,” he said.

Speaking on Osun election, the cleric appealed to politicians, supporters and residents of Osun State to embrace peace ahead of the August 15 governorship election in the state.

He expressed concern over voter apathy in Nigeria, attributing it to disappointment caused by successive governments over the years.

According to him, “The Nigerian voters by statistics are already having apathy because of the disappointment they have in the leadership of successive governments.”

He noted that insecurity and political tension could discourage citizens from participating in the forthcoming governorship election, stressing the need for political leaders and influential individuals to encourage peaceful participation in the democratic process.

“People would be afraid not just because of politics but because of the insecurity that has added to it, but I think we should still encourage voters and ourselves and those who have influence on others should encourage them to still participate,” he said.

The bishop also called for the declaration of Pentecost Day as a public holiday, saying such a move would further promote peace and spiritual reflection in society.

Speaking on the administration of Governor Ademola Adeleke, Bishop Bamidele said the governor should continue while ensuring that their supporters do not engage in violence before, during and after the election.

“It is the players that we want to appeal to, to sign peace accord and to control their followers not to go violent when their desires are not immediately granted.”

The cleric further stressed that elections should not become a reason for bloodshed or instability in the state.

“This is a contest; there will be a winner and a loser. If you win, don’t kill the other person and if you lose, don’t kill the winner. We own the state and nation together,” he added.

Bishop Bamidele also warned against the abuse of political influence, security power or traditional authority to destabilise the state ahead of the governorship poll.

“Let there be no use of unnecessary power whether spiritual, federal might, state might, community might or traditional might. Whichever angle people want to come in to destabilize, they should be frustrated. There should be no instability,” he said.