A viral video has drawn public attention after a pastor identified as Oloruntimilehin Daramola issued warning to his church members to “get fortified” and protect themselves from insecurity.
During a church gathering, the man, who described himself as the Founder of The Omnipotence Mission of God, told his congregation to “get fortified” for protection against attacks.
Cleric urges members to take action
In the clip, the pastor fortification warning came as he stood in a purple robe and cap with a cross chain around his neck.
He urged his followers to take steps he claimed would shield them from armed attackers and also asked the Federal Government to allow widespread gun ownership.
He referenced Nigeria’s amalgamation, suggesting regions could separate peacefully if the current structure failed, before returning to his appeal for members to “get fortified”.
He said, “You members, go and do something that can protect you, so that if they come with guns to your surroundings, they will face each other and shoot each other.”
The pastor fortification warning continued as he added, “Or you should get bees to chase them, or if they are coming to your church, they should be dead before getting there.
“Go and do it. Let me tell you, all my members must do it. If I say they should do it and they don’t, I will send them away, because I don’t want any of my members to die.”
Pastor defends his position
He insisted he could not “be fortified” while his followers remained exposed, saying, “I am a good shepherd. I cannot be looking while my members are being killed.”
Citing past attacks, he said, “When they got to Owo, that church, some people shouted the name of Jesus. Jesus had the power to save them, but Jesus said, ‘Until you get to heaven.’ In Kaduna, the churches that they attacked, several of them called on the name of Jesus, but they were still killed. Why? Jesus said, ‘We will meet in heaven.’”
The pastor fortification warning reappeared as he claimed to have branches “in America, London, and even in Nigeria” and invited people to meet him privately to learn what he described as “the right steps to take”.
He added, “If they like, refer to me as that pastor who is talking about charms. I don’t have any powers, but if you put me on the ground, I will bite you.”
He maintained his stance, saying, “Any of my members that I asked to use the charms and he doesn’t use it, I will chase him away because I cannot allow anybody to come and kill my children in my presence… Go and be fortified!!!”
Rising insecurity in northern states
GistReel reports recent abductions across the northern region, including schoolgirls in Kebbi and Niger States and worshippers in Eruku, Kwara State.
