Primate Ayodele urges killing terrorists, rejects court trials
Primate Elijah Ayodele, leader of the INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, said on Sunday, July 26, 2026, that anyone arrested for terrorism or kidnapping should be killed immediately instead of being charged in court. In a statement signed by his media aide, Osho Oluwatosin, he urged the Nigerian government to cancel court prosecutions for such suspects and to arrest anyone negotiating with or paying ransom to terrorists, including state governors. He praised the military's shoot-at-sight order and asked President Bola Tinubu to award national honours to soldiers fighting insurgency. Ayodele also warned that poorly funded private security outfits could turn into terrorist groups and called for the protection of Plateau cleric Rev. Ezekiel Dachomo, saying any harm to him would be seen as Christian genocide. His call reflects growing frustration with Nigeria's insecurity and could pressure officials to adopt harsher measures, raising human rights concerns and potentially encouraging extrajudicial violence. It also highlights the influence of religious leaders in shaping security debates and warns that unregulated private militias may become threats if not properly regulated. Citizens should weigh security against due process, monitor government responses to such calls, and stay alert to dangers of unregulated security groups. They can advocate for lawful counter-terrorism strategies while supporting protection of vulnerable figures like Rev. Ezekiel Dachomo.