Bishop Oyedepo Directs Followers to Give Kidnappers His Number

Bishop David Oyedepo, the founder of Living Faith Church Worldwide, recently issued a significant directive to his congregation regarding personal security in the event of an abduction. During a recent service at the church's Canaanland headquarters in Ota, Ogun State, Oyedepo made statements that quickly gained traction. A video clip of the sermon began circulating widely across social media platforms, highlighting his unique instruction.

Oyedepo instructed members, if abducted, to provide his phone number directly to their captors, stating he possesses the spiritual authority to ensure their freedom from any peril. He reinforced this directive by recounting specific past events to his congregants. In one instance, he described a pastor affiliated with the ministry who was reportedly abducted. Oyedepo claimed he spoke directly to the kidnappers via phone, issuing a stern warning that they would face death within 24 hours if the pastor was not released. Following this, the pastor was reportedly freed.

In another account, Oyedepo shared the story of a female church member who was held captive. He stated that this member was allegedly freed without direct contact from him or any phone call being placed to him. According to Oyedepo, her abductors began to harm themselves, leading to her eventual release. Oyedepo emphasized that congregants also hold a similar spiritual authority, encouraging them to recognize and apply it.

This instruction presents a specific course of action for followers facing abduction, linking personal safety directly to the bishop's perceived spiritual intervention and the congregants' own spiritual power. The directive emerges amidst ongoing security challenges in parts of Nigeria, encouraging reliance on a spiritual solution rather than traditional security measures. It also positions the church leader as a direct point of contact in crisis situations for his members.

The effect of this directive on public safety and church policy remains to be observed.