Insecurity: Pastor urges followers to ‘get fortified’ in viral video

A viral video posted on TikTok has shown a man identified as Pastor Oloruntimilehin Daramola urging his congregation to “get fortified” for protection against attacks.

The clip, which was posted on a TikTok page that appeared to be his, @kingbosoro, on Monday, shows the man dressed in a purple robe and cap, with a cross chain around his neck.

As of press time, independent verification of the pastor’s identity, the authenticity of the TikTok page, and the date the sermon was delivered remained unavailable.

In the footage, the cleric, who introduced himself as the Founder of The Omnipotence Mission of God on his TikTok profile, told his followers to take steps he claimed would shield them from armed attackers.

He urged the Federal Government to permit widespread gun ownership among Nigerians.

He also referenced Nigeria’s amalgamation, suggesting that the country’s major regions could peacefully go their separate ways if the present union was no longer working, before moving on to call on his followers to “get fortified” for protection against attacks.

He said, “You members, go and do something that can protect you, so that if they come with guns to your surroundings, they will face each other and shoot each other.”

He went on to urge them to employ unconventional methods, adding, “Or you should get bees to chase them, or if they are coming to your church, they should be dead before getting there.

“Go and do it. Let me tell you, all my members must do it. If I say they should do it and they don’t, I will send them away, because I don’t want any of my members to die.”

The pastor claimed he could not “be fortified” while his followers remained unprotected. He said, “I am a good shepherd. I cannot be looking while my members are being killed.”

Referencing past attacks, he added that victims who called on Jesus were not spared.

He said, “When they got to Owo, that church, some people shouted the name of Jesus. Jesus had the power to save them, but Jesus said, ‘Until you get to heaven.’ In Kaduna, the churches that they attacked, several of them called on the name of Jesus, but they were still killed. Why? Jesus said, ‘We will meet in heaven.’

The cleric further claimed to have branches “in America, London, and even in Nigeria” and invited people to meet him privately for what he described as “the right steps to take”.

He also addressed criticisms of his message, saying, “If they like, refer to me as that pastor who is talking about charms. I don’t have any powers, but if you put me on the ground, I will bite you.”

He insisted that anyone in his church who refused to take his prescribed protective measures would be expelled from the church.

“Any of my members that I asked to use the charms and he doesn’t use it, I will chase him away because I cannot allow anybody to come and kill my children in my presence… Go and be fortified!!!” he said.

The videos have continued to attract reactions online, but independent verification of his claims and identity remains unavailable as of the time of filing this report.

The pastor’s remarks surfaced at a period when communities across the country continue to grapple with recurring security challenges, including attacks on public places, homes, farms, and, in some cases, worship centres.

One of the most widely reported incidents occurred on June 5, 2022, when armed men attacked St Francis Catholic Church, Owo, in Ondo State during a Sunday service.

The attackers used explosives and firearms, resulting in multiple fatalities and injuries.

The incident drew national and international condemnation and led to increased calls for improved intelligence gathering, a stronger security presence in vulnerable areas, and better support for victims.

More recently, in November 2025, a gun attack rocked Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) in Eruku, a border town in Kwara State.

Armed assailants reportedly opened fire during a service, killing some worshippers and abducting dozens of congregants.

After rescue efforts, 38 of those kidnapped later regained their freedom, a development many described as a relief for the community.

In a separate development, St. Mary’s Catholic School in Papiri, Agwara Local Government Area, Niger State, was attacked by gunmen.

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The raid occurred in the early hours, between about 1 am and 3 am, according to diocesan sources.

The attackers were reported to have abducted students and teachers from both the nursery/primary and secondary sections.

According to the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), at least 303 children and 12 staff were kidnapped.

Fifty students later escaped and were reunited with their families, although many remained in captivity.