₦airaland Forum

“Will Kidnappers Kidnap The President’s Son?” — Oyedepo’s Remarks Ignite Debate Amid Nigeria Kidnapping Crisis | VDM Reacts

Ota, Ogun State — Bishop David Oyedepo, founder of Living Faith Church Worldwide, sparked national debate after asking during a recent sermon whether kidnappers would target the President’s son, and telling members: _“If anybody picks you, give them my number.”_

The comments came weeks after the May 15, 2026 abduction of 39 students and seven teachers from three schools in Oyo State’s Oriire LGA. Oyedepo claimed he has “spiritual authority” to secure the release of abducted members and referenced past cases where his name was allegedly invoked.

Reactions Split Public
Critics called the statement reckless amid rising insecurity that prompted Ogun State to inaugurate a multi-agency Safe School Response Team deploying So-Safe Corps, Amotekun Corps, and vigilantes. Social media personality VDM questioned whether such declarations help or harm citizens facing real danger.

Supporters defended the remarks as a demonstration of faith. Winners Chapel members cite testimonies of past abductions where invoking Oyedepo’s name reportedly led to freedom.

The sermon follows Oyedepo’s February 2026 criticism of government performance on security. His “President’s son” question was framed as commentary on perceived inequality in Nigeria’s security response.

The Federal Government’s National Safe Schools Response Coordination Centre, established February 2023, coordinates school safety nationwide. Ogun’s new team adds localized protection amid fears of expanding mass abductions in the Southwest.

Stance Unchanged
Oyedepo has not retracted the statement. He previously said: _“Nobody had ever told me what to say in this world… I have never campaigned for anybody or spoken on anybody’s behalf and I will not do that till I go to heaven.”_

The remarks highlight ongoing tension in Nigeria between faith-based responses and calls for stronger physical security measures.

WATCH FULL VIDEO HERE BELOW;


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n8M2mIfYdIg

"Nigerians, let's all unite against terror! #UniteAgainstTerror" 🙏🙏🙏

Less than 2 hours he will be released

Yes, if they have access to him.
Even Oyedepo himself can get kidnapped if they have access to him.

No be by president son or brother

Dbull on this one!!!


I pray Oyedepo doesn’t get silenced

Daddy Oyedepo asked a valid question. My prayer is what people wish to others in the name of supporting wickedness will come to them

Does this man want them to accuse him of _____ hate speech

Just look at Seyi Tinubu's convoy leaving the presidential villa in bourdillon too 😳 https://t.co/yblku6utNZ pic.twitter.com/345ozM4gMW

— 𝐀𝐬𝐚𝐤𝐲𝐆𝐑𝐍 (@AsakyGRN) May 28, 2025

https://www.tiktok.com/video/7582310568103562518

Don't you know this people want to be treated like kings?

He did it in Lagos

He tamed the Atlantic Ocean

He had first class in Accounting

His son is their regional manager,

That's how they raise funds to share during campaigns, spits

Omo this is an indirect challenge on the bandits 😂

Which kind weed or drugs this VDM guy dey consume ?

When he moves around with security team that is big enough to secure a whole local government area, so how can kidnappers kidnap him?


To end this insecurity is not a big deal.


The issue is that the President lack the political will and maybe courage to take the necessary steps to end this insecurity madness.


If President Tinubu appoint me as Chairman of Insecurity Eradication Taskforce and give me all the necessary power and resources to do it, I will end insecurity in Nigeria in about 9 months at most.



The issue is Tinubu does not want to step on toes because he wants to get Northern bloc votes in 2027, so he is pampering them for political gain while Nigerians are being kidnapped and kpaid on daily basis, it's sad

Iamdbull:
Dbull on this one!!!


I pray Oyedepo doesn’t get silenced

Where you go since? Maybe I wasn't very active online to notice you never left

Seeplusplus:
Yes, if they have access to him.
Even Oyedepo himself can get kidnapped if they have access to him.

No be by president son or brother

Let they have the access naa, if they can.

I guess people didnt actually get Baba Oyedepo's message. God will heal our land

That's The Only News That Can Give Nigerians 78 percent Joy,
The Kind of Joy Nigerians Derives When NEPA Bring Light or Super Eagles Score Goal

You mean kidnap Seyi. Not possible, but can't be ruled out.

Where in the world does that happens..??.. If the security gbezumeh he will be kidnapped

Does it mean the people being kidnapped,slaughtered or maimed are not true children of God? Sometimes I feel being a Nigerian is a punishment for what you did in your previous life..

deep, but this generation no really wan think

how many characters left?

I laugh with my mouth. Oro buruku toun terin...

I can bet my 3rd balls that those twins kidnapped in this same Oyo state, nephews of the Minister of darkness will be released before the 39 pupils. Who wan bet?

This one don't worth reply for!

These are testing time.


Others are already contributing too
What Practical Steps Should Southwest States Take Against Banditry and Terrorism?
https://www.nairaland.com/8685199/what-practical-steps-should-southwest

Please, make your suggestion also on that thread. An authorised person may be reading this too and your contributions will be of help

For me

1. Establish a Comprehensive Resident Identity System

The Each State Government should develop a comprehensive resident identity and address verification system to improve security, planning, and service delivery. Every resident should be encouraged to register through a centralized database linked to verified residential addresses. This system will assist law enforcement agencies in identifying criminal elements, tracking suspicious activities, and improving emergency response capabilities while respecting constitutional rights and privacy protections.

2. Registration and Regulation of Herders

All herders operating within Each State should be required to register with the State Government and the relevant Local Government Authorities before engaging in grazing or livestock activities. Registration should include biometric identification, location of operation, livestock records, and compliance with state regulations. This measure will promote accountability, reduce farmer-herder conflicts, and help security agencies identify unauthorized or suspicious activities.

3. Monitoring and Prevention of Violent Extremism

The government should strengthen collaboration between security agencies, community leaders, and religious organizations to identify and prevent violent extremism. Authorities should monitor and investigate individuals or organizations suspected of supporting terrorism, radicalization, or violent activities, regardless of religious affiliation. Any person found to be promoting or financing terrorism should face prosecution in accordance with Nigerian law.

4. Promote Agricultural Self-Sufficiency

Each Southwest State should invest heavily in agriculture to enhance food security and create employment opportunities. Government support should include access to improved seedlings, mechanized farming, irrigation systems, agricultural training, storage facilities, and access to markets. Increased agricultural productivity will reduce economic vulnerabilities and strengthen rural communities.

5. Develop a Community and Neighbourhood Intelligence Network

A structured neighbourhood intelligence network should be established across communities in each state State. Residents, community leaders, traditional institutions, and security agencies should work together to identify emerging security threats and share relevant information. Such a system should operate within legal frameworks and emphasize the protection of citizens' rights.

6. Eliminate Illegal Settlements in Deep Forest Areas

The government should conduct a comprehensive survey of forest reserves and remote settlements. Unauthorized settlements established in deep forests, particularly those linked to criminal activities, should be dismantled through lawful procedures. Forest reserves should be regularly monitored and patrolled to prevent their use as safe havens for kidnappers, bandits, terrorists, and other criminal groups.

7. Swift Prosecution of Serious Crimes

The State Government should strengthen collaboration with the judiciary and security agencies to ensure the swift investigation and prosecution of kidnapping, terrorism, banditry, illegal arms trafficking, and organized crime. Fast-track procedures should be considered for cases involving serious threats to public safety while ensuring due process and fair trials.

8. Establish Formal Reporting Channels for Suspicious Activities

Multiple reporting channels should be created to enable citizens to report suspicious activities safely and confidentially. These channels may include dedicated hotlines, mobile applications, community liaison officers, and local security committees. Public awareness campaigns should educate citizens on how and when to report security concerns.

9. Promote Civic Education and Constitutional Values

Schools across each State should strengthen civic education programs that teach constitutional rights, responsibilities of citizenship, peaceful coexistence, tolerance, and respect for the rule of law. Young people should be equipped with the knowledge and values necessary to contribute positively to society and resist extremist influences.

10. Prosecute Incitement to Violence

The government should adopt a zero-tolerance approach toward incitement to violence, hatred, terrorism, or public disorder. Individuals who promote violence through public speeches, religious gatherings, traditional institutions, political platforms, social media, or any other means should be investigated and prosecuted according to the law, regardless of their status or background.

11. Expand Vocational and Technical Education

Each State should significantly expand vocational and technical education opportunities to equip young people with practical skills for employment and entrepreneurship. Training programs should focus on modern agriculture, information technology, construction, renewable energy, manufacturing, and other high-demand sectors. Empowering youth economically will reduce vulnerability to recruitment by criminal organizations and extremist groups.



Write your suggestions in the comment section on the thread: https://www.nairaland.com/8685199/what-practical-steps-should-southwest

Seeplusplus:
Yes, if they have access to him.
Even Oyedepo himself can get kidnapped if they have access to him.

No be by president son or brother

That's exactly what he is saying, he meant that the president's is heavily guarded while the citizens are not.

Several years ago, Living Faith Branches were part of churches attacked and burnt in the North and Middle Belt by Boko Haran, where was the spiritual authority then?
We should not be here . The country has failed and it's giving opportunities to religious leaders to cash out

Someone should tell our daddy to watch what he says o... I no wan hear say there was kidnap attempt on the president's son, then DSS'll use that opportunity to invite him for questioning and from there matter go come begin longgggggggg

Think very well o, before you say it cannot happen

Lol

Let's see nah.

I no get any more characters

Gigantiorji:
Does it mean the people being kidnapped,slaughtered or maimed are not true children of God? Sometimes I feel being a Nigerian is a punishment for what you did in your previous life..

That's the reason why many people like me have decided not to give birth as long as we are still in this country.
It is wickedness to bring an innocent child into a country like this

Yampotatocarrot:
Someone should tell our daddy to watch what he says o... I no wan hear say there was kidnap attempt on the president's son, then DSS'll use that opportunity to invite him for questioning and from there matter go come begin longgggggggg

Think very well o, before you say it cannot happen

leave am mak him mouth dey run like tap, e go shock am