The Youth Wing of the Christian Association of Nigeria (YOWICAN) has expressed deep concern over what it described as the continued killings and persecution of Christians across several states in Nigeria, calling on the Federal Government to live up to its constitutional responsibility of protecting lives and property.
Speaking during the CRC–N National Youth Fellowship Convention held in Donga Local Government Area of Taraba State, the National Secretary of YOWICAN, Eld. Hon. Bako Adashu Elijah, addressed journalists and Christian leaders, flanked by YOWICAN Chairmen from Plateau, Nasarawa, Benue, and the North East Zone.
He lamented that the Nigerian government has failed to fulfill its constitutional duty as enshrined in Section 14(2)(b) of the 1999 Constitution, which states that “the security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of government.”
“Unfortunately, this noble constitutional mandate has not been matched by reality,” Elijah said. “Killings, kidnappings, and destruction of communities have become daily occurrences while those responsible walk freely.”
Reacts to U.S. Statement on Nigeria
Elijah also reacted to recent comments by the President of the United States regarding terrorism and genocide in Nigeria. He urged Nigerian leaders to view such statements as a “wake-up call” rather than an attack on national sovereignty.
“The U.S. president’s statement is not an assault on Nigeria but a reminder to our leaders that governance without justice is hollow,” he said. “If America says it will stand against terrorism, is that not what we have been praying for?”
YOWICAN Cites Widespread Attacks on Christian Communities
The YOWICAN Secretary listed numerous instances of attacks on Christian communities across Plateau, Benue, Nasarawa, Taraba, Kaduna, and other northern states, describing them as part of a deliberate pattern of religious persecution.
He alleged that in Plateau State, over 500 Christians have been killed in recent years, with villages destroyed and churches desecrated. Similar accounts were given for Benue, Nasarawa, and Taraba States, where communities have been displaced and farmlands taken over.
He further cited the killing of Miss Deborah Samuel Yakubu in Sokoto and the continued captivity of Miss Leah Sharibu by Boko Haram insurgents as “glaring examples of religious intolerance and failed justice.”
In Adamawa State, Elijah referenced the sentencing of a Christian farmer, Mr. Sunday Jackson, who was reportedly convicted for defending himself from armed attackers, calling it “a miscarriage of justice that shows bias and discrimination.”
Questions Government’s Response
YOWICAN expressed dismay that the government has done little beyond issuing statements of condemnation whenever attacks occur.
“How many perpetrators have been arrested, tried, or punished?” Elijah asked. “When those like Sheikh Gumi openly negotiate with terrorists, what action has the government taken?”
He accused the government of politicizing insecurity, turning it into “a political enterprise where innocent lives are traded for convenience.”
Demands and Calls for Action
The YOWICAN delegation made several demands, urging President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration to take concrete steps to ensure justice and national security. Their demands include:
- Equal justice for all citizens regardless of faith or tribe.
- A stop to the absorption of “repented” Boko Haram members into the military or security agencies.
- Inclusion and balance in Nigeria’s political leadership, especially concerning faith representation.
- The arrest and prosecution of Islamic clerics Yahaya Gingril and Sheikh Gumi Ahmed for alleged inflammatory remarks.
- The immediate replacement of the National Security Adviser over alleged failure to strengthen Nigeria’s security architecture.
Commitment to Peace and Unity
Despite their grievances, YOWICAN reaffirmed their commitment to peaceful coexistence, justice, and national unity.
“We shall continue to speak the truth in love and support the Federal Government in restoring peace and justice,” Elijah affirmed. “Our call is simple: let there be justice, let there be peace, and let Nigeria rise again as a nation where faith is not a crime and human life is sacred.”
He concluded by offering prayers for victims of violence and urging leaders to remember that “power is transient, but posterity is eternal.”
The statement ended with a passionate call echoing the biblical verse from Amos 5:24:
“Let justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like a mighty stream.”