Guarantee Right to Religious Freedom, Catholic Bishop Urges Nigerian Government, Decries Ongoing Christian Persecution

Jos, 31 January, 2026 / 9:46 PM

Bishop Hilary Nanman Dachelem of Nigeria’s Catholic Diocese of Bauchi has called on the President Ahmed Bola Tinubu-led government to work towards realizing the right to religious freedom for all citizens, lamenting that Christian communities in the Northern part of the country continue to face persecution.

Speaking to ACI Africa on Thursday, January 29 on the sidelines of the meeting of Catholic Bishops of Jos Ecclesiastical Province, Bishop Dachelem said the Nigerian government has a responsibility to promote tolerance and protect the right of every citizen to worship freely, regardless of location.

“The Church remains committed to peace, dialogue, and the right of every citizen to worship freely, and the government has to ensure that everyone has the right to freedom of religion, no matter their location in the country,” the Nigerian Catholic Bishop said.

He clarified that the violence targeting Christians should not be attributed to all Muslims, stressing that it is driven by specific individuals or groups seeking to intimidate and weaken Christian communities. 

“Not all Muslims are violent,” he said, adding that honesty is required in addressing the Nigerians’ real challenges without generalization.

Addressing the roots of religious extremism in Northern Nigeria, Bishop Dachelem pointed to a lack of personal conviction among many perpetrators, who he said are often influenced or manipulated rather than guided by genuine religious belief. 

He noted that violence is sometimes embraced as a pattern inherited through historical attitudes that link religious expansion to conflict.

“There are places where churches and mosques exist side by side without problems. We do not create conflict because we want to carry out our religious mission,” he said.

Reflecting on the recent Christmas celebrations in parts of Northern Nigeria, Bishop Dachelem noted that many communities experienced relative peace compared to previous years. 

“This Christmas is one of those that we had a peaceful celebration. People attribute it to the intervention of the United States President Donald Trump. It will be effective if we sit down and allow it to be effective. We look forward to a more harmonious relationship with the U.S to restore peace in our land,” he said.

Reflecting on pastoral ministry in his Episcopal See, the Local Ordinary of Bauchi Diocese since his Episcopal Consecration in August 2017 acknowledged that working in a predominantly Muslim environment is demanding, though deeply meaningful. 

He emphasized that challenges are an integral part of Christian life but insisted that persecution and genocide must not be tolerated.

“What we do not want is genocide. We do not want persecution. People should practice their faith in northern Nigeria freely,” the Nigerian member of the Congregation of the Missionary Sons of the Immaculate Heart of Mary (CMF) said.

He lauded the resilience of Christians in his Episcopal See, describing their faith as “strong and unwavering” despite persistent pressures. 

“They have indefatigable faith,” Bishop Dachelem said, noting that many continue to live peacefully alongside others despite ongoing challenges that negatively impact their livelihoods.

As Nigeria looks toward the 2027 general elections, the Catholic Church leader warned against political violence and “do-or-die” politics, urging leaders and citizens alike to prioritize human life over political ambition. 

He cautioned that the consequences of election-related violence can endure for generations, saying, “The fruits of bitterness are not good; post-election life is more important. Political life is only for a fraction of people, and it does not make sense that you should go and die for politics.”

The Local Ordinary of Bauchi also encouraged active Catholic participation in politics, rejecting passivity. He urged the Clergy, women and men Religious, and the Laity to engage responsibly in civic life, guided by Catholic social teaching, including the pursuit of the common good.

“Catholics are not going to fold their hands. Let people come out, vote, and be voted for,” he said.

In the January 29 interview, Bishop Dachelem expressed hope for unity and peaceful coexistence in Bauchi Diocese, and added, “Peace remains possible when people choose dialogue, understanding, and shared responsibility over fear and division.”