The founder and Presiding Bishop of Living Faith Church Worldwide, David Oyedepo, has criticised the Federal Government over the worsening state of insecurity in Nigeria, questioning what he described as the authorities' inadequate response to persistent killings across the country.

Speaking during the church's Sunday service on August 2, Oyedepo declared that those responsible for the bloodshed should not expect prayers of mercy from him, insisting instead that he would pray against both the perpetrators and those allegedly sponsoring them.

“You can’t slaughter members of my family and expect me to pray for you,” he said. “I will pray against you, against your household and against your generation, in the name of Jesus.”

The cleric alleged that the attacks were being financed by powerful sponsors, warning that divine judgment would eventually catch up with everyone involved.

“Everybody knows that these wicked people are being sponsored. Anyone who doesn’t know that, that’s a problem,” he said.

“Every sponsor of killers in Nigeria, you come under a curse today. I have been quiet for a long time, but the bubble is about to burst.”

Oyedepo also expressed frustration over what he described as the government's silence in the face of continued violence, saying he had not heard sufficient official condemnation of the killings.

“I have not heard any statement from government quarters against the killings. I’m yet to hear one,” he said.

“Are human lives no longer of value anymore? The government is pretending like they don’t know what to do.”

However, contrary to the bishop's assertion, the Federal Government has on several occasions publicly condemned attacks carried out by terrorists, bandits and other armed groups, although critics have frequently argued that such condemnations have not been matched with decisive action.

In June, following the killing of 42 villagers in Niger State by armed men believed to be fleeing military operations in Sokoto and Zamfara states, presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga issued a statement on behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu condemning the massacre.

The President also denounced the abduction of more than 45 pupils and teachers from a school in Oyo State, directing security agencies to secure their release and bring those responsible to justice.

Oyedepo's remarks come amid renewed concerns over insecurity, as Nigeria continues to witness a surge in killings and kidnappings affecting communities, schools and places of worship.

The latest incidents include the abduction of a seminarian and two worshippers during a church service in Enugu State on Sunday. Earlier in July, police rescued worshippers kidnapped during a vigil in Ekiti State, while bandits attacked a church in Kwara State and abducted eight worshippers.