Senior Pastor of Champions Royal Assembly, Joshua Iginla, has called on Christians to embrace self-defense in the face of rising attacks on churches and increasing incidents of kidnapping across Nigeria, arguing that prayer alone may not be sufficient in certain security situations.
Speaking in a viral video that has attracted widespread reactions, Iginla said Christians should not live in fear while attending church services.
According to him, “Christians, wake up. Soldiers can’t do everything. If we have three soldiers here and, God forbid, somebody attacks, you’ll be running. You’ll be saying, ‘Holy Ghost fire!’ It doesn’t work like that.”
Reflecting on his background, the cleric said, “I grew up in the barracks. I was a stubborn, notorious barracks boy. Jesus has changed me now, but the thing is, buddy, if you’re mad, we’re mad too. We don’t look for trouble, but if you come to my house looking for trouble, that’s a different matter.”
Iginla further stated that while prayer remains important, believers should also be security-conscious.
“I’m not going to send prayers for you. If you want to say I’m not born again, that’s your opinion. I’m not going to respond with prayer. Which prayer? Prayer alone does not stop that kind of thing. We need to be thinking,” he said.
The pastor maintained that his comments were not an endorsement of violence but a call for self-defense and preparedness.
“For the sake of clarity, I’m not advocating violence. I’m advocating self-defense. I don’t look for trouble, but if you enter my house looking for trouble, don’t expect otherwise,” he said.
Drawing a biblical reference, Iginla questioned critics of his position, saying, “People say, ‘I’m born again, I’m born again.’ Are you more born again than Peter? Why was Peter carrying a sword around Jesus? Jesus knew he had it. Peter even cut off someone’s ear. We don’t keep quiet while people attack us.”
He also warned that criminals increasingly view churches as vulnerable targets.
“If you don’t hear what I’m saying, it may take someone losing an ear before you understand. They are seeing the church as a soft target,” he affirmed.
His comments come amid growing concerns over insecurity in parts of the country, including attacks on communities, places of worship, schools, and the abduction of citizens by criminal gangs.
Recall that the Christian Association of Nigeria recently demanded the immediate and unconditional release of all abducted schoolchildren, teachers, and other citizens currently being held captive by criminal elements across the country.
The association also called on security agencies to intensify rescue efforts until all victims regain their freedom.This version follows a standard newspaper style, balancing the pastor’s remarks with contextual information and attribution.
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