The Archbishop of the Bendel Province, Anglican Communion, Most Rev. Cyril Odutemu, has reacted to the recent killings in Borno State, declaring that God would surely avenge the blood of innocent people murdered by wicked forces.
Odutemu spoke during the funeral service of late Chief Goddy Ighoavwota held at the All Saints Anglican Cathedral, Ughelli, Delta State, on Friday, where he lamented the growing wave of violence, killings and oppression across the country.
Referencing the recent attack in Borno State in which several persons were reportedly killed and many declared missing, the archbishop said although many often question God’s silence in the face of evil, divine judgment would ultimately prevail.
“Yesterday, there was an attack in Borno; many were killed and many are still missing. And we are crying, asking where is God. I tell you, God is where He is, and He will surely avenge,” he stated.
Quoting from Revelation, Chapter Six, the cleric said the souls of those who were unjustly killed continually cry unto God for vengeance.
“There are people who did not die natural deaths. There are those murdered by the wicked, and their souls are constantly crying for vengeance,” he said.
Odutemu warned individuals against participating in acts capable of leading to the death or suffering of others, stressing that no evil deed would go unpunished before God.
“I want to advise everyone: never have a hand in the death of another person, because God will execute vengeance,” he warned.
The archbishop also condemned exploitation and oppression in society, especially by individuals who acquire wealth through questionable means and later seek public recognition through donations to religious institutions.
“We need money to build the church and advance the gospel, but we do not know where the money comes from. If the church knowingly collects evil money, then the church also becomes guilty,” he said.
According to him, some persons oppress the poor through exploitative lending and unjust seizure of property, yet receive applause after making donations in churches.
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“If our clapping is not acceptable before God, then we are clapping people to destruction,” he added.
Speaking on the deceased, Chief Goddy Ighoavwota, Odutemu described him as a committed Christian and devoted church worker who served faithfully in different church groups.
He said despite being scheduled to attend a church synod in Asaba, he chose to personally honour the late Ighoavwota because of his dedication to God and humanity.
Late Chief Goddy Ighoavwota, aged 64, was a retired director of environmental health under the Delta State Local Government Service Commission and a prominent member of the Anglican Church in Ughelli.
