Apostle Akinyemi, Other Church Leaders Urge Suspension of Night Vigils Amid Rising Insecurity
Oru Leonard
The Apostolic Round Table (ART), a gathering of apostolic leaders across Nigeria, has called on churches nationwide to temporarily suspend night vigils and overnight religious programmes in response to the country’s worsening security situation.
In a State of the Nation Apostolic Advisory titled “When Prayer Must Walk,” issued on June 6, 2026, the group expressed concern over increasing cases of kidnappings, attacks on communities, educational institutions, and the growing climate of fear across the country.
Signed by Apostle Bolaji O. Akinyemi, Convener of ART, the advisory stressed that while prayer remains essential, it must be accompanied by wisdom, strategy, and practical action.
“We cannot continue to spiritualise security challenges while neglecting practical responses,” the statement said, citing biblical examples such as Joseph’s obedience to divine instruction to flee with the infant Jesus when His life was threatened.
The organisation commended church leaders who have begun reviewing night activities in light of prevailing security concerns, describing such decisions as demonstrations of wisdom rather than fear.
As part of its recommendations, ART advised churches to convert overnight programmes into evening services that end early enough to guarantee the safety of worshippers. It also urged churches to immediately review their security structures, including access control systems, surveillance measures, emergency response procedures, volunteer security teams, and collaboration with security agencies.
The group further called on federal and state governments to undertake an urgent review of security arrangements in schools across the country.
“Where adequate security cannot be guaranteed, precautionary closure and restructuring measures should be considered until the safety of pupils, students, teachers, and administrators can be assured,” the advisory stated.
ART also urged security agencies to prioritise the rescue of citizens currently held captive by kidnappers and other criminal groups, describing the recovery of abductees as a national emergency.
On the political front, the organisation called for the suspension of extensive political campaign activities until significant progress is made in addressing the country’s security challenges.
“A nation under siege must first secure its people,” the statement noted.
The group equally called for national repentance, ethical leadership, accountability in governance, justice for victims, and compassion for suffering citizens.
“Prayer remains essential. But prayer must walk. Prayer must think. Prayer must act. Prayer must protect. Prayer must preserve,” the advisory declared.
ART also announced that its next national gathering will take place on January 7, 2027, under the theme “One Man.” According to the organisers, the theme reflects a call for unity among Christians as the nation approaches another electoral season.
“The Body of Christ in Nigeria must enter the next electoral season as one voice for justice, security, righteousness, and national transformation,” the statement added.
The advisory concluded with prayers for wisdom for national leaders, protection for citizens, courage for security agencies, and comfort for victims of insecurity, expressing confidence that Nigeria would overcome its current challenges.
