“If They Kidnap You, Give Them My Number” — Bishop Oyedepo Tells Members

The founder of Living Faith Church Worldwide, David Oyedepo, has stirred fresh reactions after advising members of his church on what to do if they are kidnapped.

The cleric gave the directive during the “Covenant Day of Vengeance Service,” where he spoke about security challenges facing Nigerians.

Kidnapping has continued to spread across the country, affecting citizens from different walks of life, including religious groups, students, and travelers.

Speaking to his congregation, Oyedepo said victims should hand over his contact to their abductors. He declared: “If anybody picks you, give them my number. If he is not cut down, then I’m not sent.”

The bishop went further to share past incidents involving members of his church who were kidnapped. He explained how he personally intervened in one of the cases involving a pastor.

According to him, he spoke directly to the kidnappers through a phone call. He warned them of consequences if the victim was not released within a short period.

“One time, one of our pastors was carried by kidnappers. I said ‘Give them the phone’ and I said to them that in the next 24 hours, if you don’t take him out, you’re dead,” he said.

He added that the situation reportedly changed immediately after the warning. He described the atmosphere as tense, saying the kidnappers became fearful.

Oyedepo used the story to stress what he called spiritual authority. He told members that such authority is not limited to him alone but is available to every believer who understands and applies it.

He also narrated another incident involving a female member who was abducted. In that case, he claimed he did not directly speak with the kidnappers.

However, he said the victim declared she would be released by a specific time. He stated that confusion broke out among the abductors after she mentioned his name.

“Redemption is not a religious principle. One of our daughters was captured somewhere. He said, ‘My father said, I’m getting out of here by 7 a.m.’ Not that I spoke to them,” he said.

According to him, the kidnappers reportedly began to argue among themselves. He claimed they turned against each other before eventually letting the victim go.

The bishop used the testimonies to encourage members not to live in fear. He urged them to understand their faith and stand firm in difficult situations.