Christian Professionals in Africa Condemn Persecution of Christians in Nigeria, Call for Government Action

They emphasize that the millings, abductions, and displacements in Nigeria “are not abstract tragedies” but  “stories of faith, resilience, and pain.”

Making reference to Articles 3, 17, and 18 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights that guarantee Religious Freedom, they note that the pattern of selective targeting of communities on account of their faith is “undeniably a breach of these fundamental constitutional rights.”

The ACPF members call upon the Federal Government of Nigeria to protect the constitutional guarantee of Life and Religious Freedom by ensuring that all citizens, regardless of faith, live and can worship without fear.

They also call on the government to strengthen security presence and response mechanisms in violence-prone areas, particularly in the Middle Belt and northern states, where they say Christian communities remain under siege.

The Christian professionals further urge the government to investigate, prosecute, and punish perpetrators of religiously motivated violence to end the culture of impunity, protect the right to own property, and facilitate the restoration of the livelihoods of the affected persons.

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They also call on the government to engage religious and community leaders in structured dialogue toward reconciliation and peacebuilding.

Implementing these measures, the ACPF members say, would demonstrate the government’s commitment to ensuring that every Nigerian life holds equal value, regardless of religious affiliation.

They appeal to Nigerians to uphold religious tolerance and peaceful coexistence, warning that societal stability depends on mutual respect across faith communities.

The ACPF members also acknowledge ongoing efforts by various stakeholders but insist that “defenders of freedom, justice, and faith must intensify their advocacy.”

Insecurity is rife in Nigeria, where kidnappings, murder, and other forms of persecution against Christians remain rampant in many parts of the West African country, especially in the north.

A new report by the International Society for Civil Liberties and Rule of Law (Intersociety) covering the period between August 10 and October 26 revealed that in just 76 days, over 100 Christians in Nigeria were killed, and 120 others kidnapped by jihadist groups.

Jude Atemanke is a Cameroonian journalist with a passion for Catholic Church communication. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from the University of Buea in Cameroon. Currently, Jude serves as a journalist for ACI Africa.