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Security Challenges in Nigeria “can trigger vast humanitarian crisis”: Christian Leaders

Map of Nigeria. Credit: Public Domain

Members of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) have warned of future humanitarian crises in the West African nation if the current security challenges are not “comprehensively” addressed.

In his reaction to the 2023 Open Doors World Watch List report that placed Nigeria among nations with the highest Christian persecution, CAN spokesperson says the victimization of followers of Christ has prompted Christian leaders to embrace ecumenism.

“Nigeria is facing security challenges that can trigger a vast humanitarian crisis in the future, if not tackled comprehensively today,” Luminous Jannamike is quoted as saying in a Monday, January 23 report.

Mr. Jannamike adds, “CAN has been persistent in the call for Nigeria’s government to rise to the occasion and protect the rights of all citizens, including Christians from undue violations carried out with impunity.”

The Special Assistant on Media to the CAN President says that the incidences involving the persecution of Christians have compelled the Christian leaders to commit to promoting “genuine unity” and peace among people affiliated with different faiths in the country.

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“For this reason, the apex Christian body under the leadership of Archbishop Daniel Okoh has committed to fostering genuine unity, building true peace, and promoting honest tolerance among people of all faith in the country,” Mr. Jannamike says.

Since 2009 when Boko Haram insurgency emerged with the aim of turning Africa’s most populous nation into an Islamic state, Nigeria has been experiencing insecurity.

Boko Haram, one of the largest Islamist groups in Africa, has been orchestrating indiscriminate terrorist attacks on various targets, including religious and political groups as well as civilians.

The insecurity situation has further been complicated by the involvement of the predominantly Muslim Fulani herdsmen, also referred to as the Fulani Militia, who have been clashing frequently with Christian farmers.

At the Funeral Mass of Fr. Isaac Achi, the Nigerian Catholic Priest who was murdered when Sts. Peter and Paul Kaffin Koro Parish of the Catholic Diocese of Minna was attacked on January 15, a Priest in the country said insecurity has persisted for far too long.

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“The issue of insecurity in this country, associated with banditry, kidnapping, Boko Haram, herders, farmers conflict, unknown gunmen, and lots more, has lasted for too long,” Fr. Samuel Gwimi said in his homily, calling upon the Nigerian government to be alert on security matters.

Silas Mwale Isenjia is a Kenyan journalist with a great zeal and interest for Catholic Church related communication. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Linguistics, Media and Communication from Moi University in Kenya. Silas has vast experience in the Media production industry. He currently works as a Journalist for ACI Africa.