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 Nigerian states, urging the Federal Government to uphold its constitutional duty of protecting lives and property.
Speaking during the CRC–N National Youth Fellowship Convention in Donga Local Government Area of Taraba State, Eld. Hon. Bako Adashu Elijah, National Secretary of YOWICAN, addressed journalists alongside YOWICAN chairmen from Plateau, Nasarawa, Benue, and the North East Zone.
He accused the government of failing to fulfill its constitutional obligation under 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 remarks by the President of the United States regarding terrorism and alleged genocide in Nigeria. He urged Nigerian leaders to treat such statements as a wake-up call, not 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?”
Cites Attacks on Christian Communities
The YOWICAN Secretary cited numerous attacks on Christian communities in Plateau, Benue, Nasarawa, Taraba, Kaduna, and other northern states, describing them as part of a deliberate pattern of persecution.
He alleged that in Plateau State alone, over 500 Christians have been killed in recent years, with churches burned and villages destroyed. Similar atrocities, he said, continue in Benue and Taraba, where farmlands have been seized and residents displaced.
Elijah also referenced the killing of Miss Deborah Samuel Yakubu in Sokoto and the continued captivity of Leah Sharibu by Boko Haram insurgents as “glaring examples of religious intolerance and failed justice.”
He further condemned the reported conviction of a Christian farmer, Mr. Sunday Jackson, in Adamawa State for allegedly defending himself from armed attackers, describing it as “a miscarriage of justice that shows bias and discrimination.”
Questions Government’s Response
YOWICAN criticized the government for limiting its response to “mere condemnations” after each attack, with no visible justice for victims.
“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 and turning it into “a political enterprise where innocent lives are traded for convenience.”
Demands and Calls for Action
The youth body made several demands to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, including:
- Equal justice for all citizens, regardless of faith or tribe.
- An end to the absorption of “repented” Boko Haram members into the military or security agencies.
- Inclusion and balance in political appointments, especially regarding faith representation.
- Arrest and prosecution of Sheikh Gumi Ahmed and Yahaya Gingril for alleged inflammatory remarks.
- The replacement of the National Security Adviser for failing to strengthen Nigeria’s security architecture.
Reaffirms Commitment to Peace
Despite its concerns, YOWICAN reaffirmed its commitment to peace, justice, and national unity.
“We shall continue to speak the truth in love and support the Federal Government in restoring peace and justice,” Elijah said. “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 with a prayer for victims of violence and a reminder that “power is transient, but posterity is eternal,” echoing the biblical call from Amos 5:24 —
“Let justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like a mighty stream.”
