Senior Pastor Paul Enenche of the Dunamis International Gospel Centre has reignited national debate on the right to self-defence after sharing an old 2018 sermon clip on X on Saturday. In the post, he reminded Nigerians that they hold both a God-given and constitutional right to protect themselves.

“While we keep praying and trusting God for divine intervention in our nation, this video is a timely reminder of your God-given and constitutional right to self-defense. We do not promote violence or confrontation, but every citizen has the right to protect themselves if their peace or safety is threatened. Stay prayerful. Stay alert. Stay safe,” he wrote.

In the resurfaced clip, Pastor Enenche referenced Section 59 of the Penal Code, stating: “Anything a person does in order to prevent himself from being killed, whatever it is, it is not an offence.”

He condemned what he described as impunity among those who take lives or issue threats without consequence.
“What is the useless nonsense about those who claim they have the right to take life at will and then go unarrested? The end of it has come,” he declared.

Anticipating criticism for quoting the law, he added: “People will say, as a pastor, it is constitution you are sharing.” He then cited Genesis 9:6: “Whoso sheddeth man’s blood, by man shall his blood be shed.”
He also referenced Revelation 13:10: “He that killeth with the sword must be killed with the sword.”

Pastor Enenche’s message comes at a time when insecurity continues to escalate across the country. In recent days, kidnappers abducted 25 schoolgirls in Kebbi State, while more than 200 students were taken from St. Mary’s Catholic School in Niger State. Communities, travellers, and schools have faced repeated attacks, heightening public fear.

His remarks also echo longstanding concerns about targeted violence against Christians in parts of the country, which many have described as systematic assaults on religious communities.