Pastor Paul Enenche of Dunamis International Gospel Centre in Abuja has sparked conversation about the dangers of loan apps, stating that they are “in covenant with the spirit of death.” According to him, these apps lure people into taking loans with promises of help, only to harass and frustrate them into desperation, sometimes even driving them to suicide.
“I believe that those Loan App people are in covenant with the spirit of death. Yes, I say that without apology because many people have literally committed suicide and many are on the brink of suicide,” Pastor Enenche said during a Sunday service.
He described the tactics used by loan apps as deceptive, saying they beg people to take loans, then unleash unrelenting pressure. “They harass the hell out of your life. I don’t know the time they have. I don’t know if it’s an automated phone call or text message system,” he added.
The pastor’s comments come amid growing concerns about the impact of loan apps on Nigerians. Many have shared their experiences of being harassed and blackmailed by these apps, with some even losing their personal details to contacts.
One Twitter user, @FolarinStephen2, shared his experience with Palmpay, saying, “I stopped using Palmpay till date because of what they did to me. I had a very quick emergency, took their loan and was overdue for just one day. They started blackmailing me by sending my BVN details to my contacts, tagging me a criminal.”
Another user, @onyaoche, revealed that they are still a victim of loan app harassment but have chosen not to engage with them.
In response to the pastor’s statement, some Nigerians have suggested that churches and other organizations should set up alternative loan companies that operate with Christian values, providing a safer and more compassionate option for those in need.