Renewed Alarm Over Attacks on Christian Communities
During a media briefing in Ibadan, Oyo State, the President of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), Bishop Francis Wale Oke, expressed grave concern over the continuous killings of Christians in several parts of the country.
He stated emphatically that “there is Christian genocide in Nigeria,” challenging the Federal Government to recognise the seriousness of the situation and act swiftly to protect the faithful.
The PFN President said the patience of the Nigerian church is being stretched, warning that continued silence from the government could deepen frustration among Christian communities already feeling marginalised and insecure.
Bishop Oke’s Remarks in Detail
Bishop Oke outlined a series of incidents he described as targeted attacks against Christians, referencing cases such as the abduction of Leah Sharibu, the Owo church massacre, and other deadly assaults on worshippers.
He clarified, however, that his statement was not directed at the entire Muslim population but specifically at extremist groups who, in his words, “cloak their attacks in religious motives.”
According to him, “No Christian group is attacking Muslims. The patience of the church is being stretched. The government must act now to ensure justice and fairness for all citizens.”
He further urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to engage with international allies, particularly the United States, to strengthen Nigeria’s fight against religiously motivated violence.
Understanding the Broader Context
Nigeria’s security challenges are complex, involving terrorism, banditry, communal clashes, and economic dislocation.
While faith-based tensions sometimes appear in these conflicts, security analysts note that many attacks affecting Christian communities also impact Muslims in nearby areas, suggesting the violence often stems from criminal and political factors rather than purely religious motivations.
Nevertheless, Bishop Oke insisted that Christians have disproportionately suffered in recent years and that national leaders must acknowledge this pattern to design effective protection measures.
Security and Government Response
As of the time of this report, the Federal Government has not issued an official response to Bishop Oke’s statement.
However, senior officials within the Ministry of Information and the Defence Headquarters have repeatedly maintained that Nigeria’s security agencies are operating nationwide against all forms of terrorism and violent extremism, regardless of ethnic or religious identity.
Government representatives have also stressed that existing counter-terrorism strategies target armed groups without discriminating between communities or faiths.
Implications for National Policy and Church-State Relations
Bishop Oke’s public declaration may intensify national debate on how Nigeria classifies and responds to religiously related violence.
His remarks could encourage the PFN and other faith-based organisations to demand greater transparency from government agencies regarding data on attacks, arrests, and prosecutions linked to religiously motivated crimes.
Some policy analysts believe his call for international cooperation might prompt broader engagement between Nigeria and foreign partners on protecting freedom of religion, human rights, and community security.
Religious Leaders Urge Calm and Unity
Several interfaith leaders, including Muslim clerics and ecumenical councils, have since appealed for restraint, dialogue, and collaboration between both major faiths to avoid worsening the country’s fragile peace.
They emphasised that violent extremism threatens all Nigerians, regardless of belief, and that joint community action remains the most effective tool against insecurity.
Historical Background
Nigeria has experienced recurrent episodes of sectarian violence dating back several decades.
From the Jos crisis in Plateau State to more recent attacks in Southern Kaduna, both Christians and Muslims have been victims of reprisal assaults and extremist insurgency.
The PFN, as one of the country’s largest Christian coalitions, has consistently campaigned for government accountability, equitable protection, and justice for affected families.
Bishop Oke’s current outcry follows a pattern of renewed advocacy by Christian leaders seeking stronger national dialogue on faith-based inclusion, constitutional rights, and citizenship equality.
