Cleric Urges Christians to Leave Vengeance to God Amid Trump’s Genocide Claims
The founder of the Christ Apostolic Church, Ori Oke Aanu, Ojoo, Ibadan, Prophet Moses Aladeolu, has called on Christians in Nigeria and across the world to exercise restraint and leave vengeance to God in the face of alleged persecution and mass killings of Christians in the country.
Speaking against the backdrop of a statement attributed to the United States President Donald Trump, that Christians in Nigeria were being subjected to genocide, Prophet Aladeolu described the claim as “a sad reflection of the spiritual and moral decay of humanity,” warning that such situations, if true, represent an existential threat to Christianity and peace in Nigeria.
Aladeolu, who also serves as the Patron of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Ojo Branch, appealed for restraint, stressing that vengeance belongs to God alone.
“As Christians, we must remember that vengeance is not ours. The Bible clearly tells us in Romans 12:19, ‘Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: ‘It is mine to avenge; I will repay,’ says the Lord.’ We are called to respond with prayer, not violence,” he said.
The cleric further cited Deuteronomy 32:35, which said, “Vengeance is mine, and recompense,” and Proverbs 20:22, “Do not say, ‘I will repay evil’; wait for the Lord, and he will deliver you.”
He noted that the Christian response to persecution should always be guided by faith and forgiveness, not anger or retaliation.
According to him, while the reports of targeted attacks on Christians are painful, believers must hold firmly to the teachings of Christ, who instructed in Matthew 5:44 to “love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.”
“We cannot fight spiritual battles with carnal weapons. Our weapon is prayer, our strength is unity, and our hope is in God,” Aladeolu said.
The prophet also called on President Bola Tinubu to engage diplomatically with the United States government, particularly to clarify and address Trump’s claims.
“The President should prevail on Mr Trump to substantiate his claims or desist from making statements that could inflame religious tensions in Nigeria. We need peace, not fear or suspicion, among our people.
“God will defend His people in His own time. Our duty is to remain steadfast, prayerful, and faithful. Let us leave vengeance to Him, for His justice never fails.
“Psalm 37:7-9 reminds us to ‘Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him. Refrain from anger and turn from wrath; do not fret, it leads only to evil.’ Let us therefore trust in God’s judgment and not in the arm of flesh,” he said.
Aladeolu, however, urged the Nigerian government to protect all citizens irrespective of their faith, saying that justice and equity are key to ensuring national stability.