Christian Leaders in Nigeria Challenged to Overcome Divisions, Speak with One Voice against Repeated Attacks

The Nigerian Catholic Archbishop added, “And we emphasize denominational differences above Christianity itself.”

The Catholic Church leader emphasized that Christians in the country have a strong case regarding marginalization and persecution, but often weaken it by focusing on arguments over terminology rather than on concrete solutions. 

“There’s no doubt that Christians have been suffering in this country,” he said, citing marginalization in political appointments and sustained attacks on lives and property in various regions.

Archbishop Kaigama highlighted several hotspots, including Southern Kaduna, Barkin Ladi, Bokkos, Makurdi, and Borno, where Christian communities have endured repeated violence and displacement. 

“When you go to Southern Kaduna, you’ll see what I’m telling you… Not to talk of Borno itself,” he said.

Beyond physical attacks, the Local Ordinary of Abuja drew attention to institutional discrimination against Christians in parts of northern Nigeria. 

He lamented restrictions on building churches, acquiring land, teaching Christian religious education to children, and the lack of chaplaincy services in federal tertiary institutions. 

“In some big institutions, never can a Christian be allowed to head, whether it’s a university or military or whatever it is,” he said.

According to the Catholic Archbishop, these injustices should be the central focus of Christian advocacy. 

“The point that should be made is what can be done to remedy this,” he said, warning that endless debates over language undermine the Christian cause. 

The Nigerian Catholic Archbishop, who started his Episcopal Ministry in April 1995 as Bishop of Nigeria’s Catholic Diocese of Jalingo expressed hope that efforts toward unity would enable Christians to speak “loud and clear” and help bring about solutions.

Archbishop Kaigama said he remains hopeful that initiatives such as the Christian Week of Prayer will deepen unity and faith among Christians in Nigeria. 

“I’m hoping that this effort to promote Christian unity will grow,” he said, pledging his continued commitment to the cause.

Also speaking to ACI Africa during the January 26 event, the Deputy Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Chapter, Dr. Isaac Komolafe, said the prayer initiative is rooted in Christ’s own prayer for unity. 

“If there’s anything God asks us, according to John 17 verse 20, that they might be one,” he said.

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Dr. Komolafe emphasized the power of prayer, noting that while human effort has limits, “when we pray, God works.” 

Acknowledging the increasing difficulty of being a Christian in Nigeria, he reminded believers that persecution has always been part of the Christian story. 

He urged Christians to prepare spiritually for trials and even to pray for their persecutors, recalling the biblical example of St. Paul.

Dr. Komolafe also called on Christians to stop internal attacks and strengthen fellowship across denominations. “We should stop attacking ourselves because we are members of the same body,” he said.

The Secretary of CAN, FCT Chapter, Fr. Sebastian Sani, explained that the annual prayer week was introduced to strengthen Christian unity and foster peace in the nation. 

He gave credit to Archbishop Kaigama for initiating the program six years ago to bring Christians together across denominational lines.

According to Fr. Sani, the week-long program involves Christians moving among CAN’s five denominational blocs to pray, worship, and learn from one another. 

“It’s a show of love, a show of solidarity, a show of oneness,” he said.

He emphasized that unity does not mean erasing denominational identities. 

“Unity is not uniformity,” Fr. Sani said, urging Christian leaders to avoid rivalry and instead see one another as brothers and sisters united by a common faith.