The Fellowship of Churches of Christ in Nigeria (FCCN), popularly known as Tarayyar Ekklesiyoyin Kristi a Najeriya (TEKAN), has strongly condemned the persistent killings of Christians and destruction of property across the country, while calling on the Federal Government to intensify efforts to end insecurity and bring perpetrators to justice.
This formed part of resolutions reached at the 70th General Assembly of TEKAN, held at the Nongo u Kristu u i Ser u sha Tar (NKST–URCC) Headquarters, Mkar-Gboko, Benue State, from January 6 to 11, 2026.
The communiqué, signed by Rev. Joel Billi, President of TEKAN, and Rev. Augustine Akawu Elisha, General Secretary, said the Assembly was outraged by continued attacks attributed to armed herdsmen and other terrorist groups, particularly the killing of over 200 Christians in Yelwata, Benue State, as well as recent attacks in Bokkos and Mangu Local Government Areas of Plateau State, and recurring violence in Takum, Ussa and Yangtu Development Area.
The Assembly lamented the deteriorating security situation in Nigeria, noting with concern that the country has been designated by the United States as a “Country of Particular Concern (CPC)”, and urged the Federal Government to apprehend and prosecute perpetrators and their sponsors.
Held under the theme “Rooted in Christ for the Renewal of the Nations” (Colossians 2:6–7), the Assembly brought together leaders and delegates from 15 member denominations, including COCIN, NKST, EYN, UMCN, LCCN, ECCN, UCCN (HEKAN) and others. The meeting was attended by TEKAN leadership, denominational presidents and general secretaries, members of the Board of Trustees, advisers, delegates, and traditional ruler Tor Tiv, HRM Prof. James Ortese Iorzua Ayatse, alongside other dignitaries.
The Assembly emphasized the need for deeper discipleship, sacrificial love and improved theological training through seminaries to strengthen leadership within the churches.
During the meeting, TEKAN unanimously elected new national officers, with Right Rev. Dr. Filibu Musa emerging as President, Rev. Dr. Nendaga Asongo Adure as Vice President, Rev. Dr. Victor Audu as Assistant General Secretary, and Dr. Mrs. Justina Dama as Treasurer.
The Assembly also expressed condolences to member churches over the loss of prominent leaders since the last General Assembly, including former TEKAN President and former head of the Lutheran Church of Christ in Nigeria, late Archbishop Nemuel A. Babba, as well as late Nelson Jebes, a TEKAN Trustee and former President of the Evangelical Church of Christ in Nigeria (ECCN).
On governance and policy matters, TEKAN raised concerns over newly introduced tax laws, describing them as potentially burdensome to citizens, and called on the Federal Government and National Assembly to review the tax reform Act. It also cautioned against the implementation of religious-based economic policies, such as the Halal economy, arguing that such measures may not align with Nigeria’s secular and multi-religious character.
Ahead of the 2027 general elections, the Assembly urged the Federal Government and National Assembly to amend the Electoral Act to provide for mandatory electronic transmission of election results, while encouraging citizens, especially church members, to participate actively in the electoral process by voting credible candidates.
While commending improvements in the agricultural sector, the Assembly called on the Federal Government to subsidize farming inputs, including fertilizers and pesticides, to support farmers amid declining market prices.
In its conclusion, TEKAN thanked the host community of NKST Mkar-Gboko, security agencies, donors and volunteers for their support and hospitality, and expressed gratitude to God for a successful Assembly, praying for safe journeys home and effective implementation of the resolutions reached.
