The Alarming Reality of Christian Persecution in Nigeria
The issue of alleged Christian genocide in Nigeria has sparked intense debate and concern. According to Rev Samson Ayokunle, former President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), this is not a mere claim but a reality on the ground. He emphasizes that many Christian communities have been deliberately targeted, with their lands occupied by those responsible for the attacks. In Plateau and Benue states, including Southern Kaduna, such incidents are not uncommon.
In Miango, a village in Plateau State, 21 people were reportedly killed during an attack despite the presence of only two churches. Rev Ayokunle recalls his decision to visit the village, despite warnings that he might disappear. Among the victims, 20 were Baptists from his own church, and one was a Methodist. The attackers came at night, leaving the community devastated. Two weeks later, the same group returned to finish the job, raising serious questions about the effectiveness of security forces.
The Complexity of the Situation
There are claims that both Christians and Muslims are being targeted. However, Rev Ayokunle finds this statement particularly disturbing. He argues that the focus should be on the fact that Christians are being killed, especially by some Muslims. This form of persecution is more alarming because it involves members of different faiths. When individuals of the same religion attack each other, it is viewed differently, but when Muslims target Christians, it becomes a matter of religious persecution.
Rev Ayokunle also highlights the role of Boko Haram, led initially by Mohammed Yusuf and later by Abubakar Shekau. Their goal was to eliminate anything representing Western civilization, including Christianity. They issued statements ordering Christians in the North to vacate, declaring that they would wipe out anything un-Islamic. This included any Muslim who opposed their cause, as they considered them aligned with infidels.
Government Response and Accountability
The government’s response to these allegations has been criticized. Rev Ayokunle questions how the government can defend Boko Haram, given their clear goals and actions. He points out that the government has failed to address the crisis for over 16 years. The lack of a census for over 40 years further undermines the credibility of any statistics provided by the government regarding the number of casualties.
Recently, CAN, alongside the Federal Government, dismissed the genocide allegations, but soon after, CAN agreed with the U.S. This shift raised concerns about the government’s efforts to downplay the issue. Rev Ayokunle explains that he immediately issued a rebuttal to the initial news, emphasizing the need to be proactive when dealing with politicians.
Concerns About CAN’s Role
Some have raised concerns about CAN’s limited public statements on the issue until it reached international attention. Rev Ayokunle suggests that if the National Executive Council feels the current leadership is not representing well, they should speak out. He also advises journalists to directly ask the current CAN President about his actions or inactions.
International Intervention and Its Implications
United States President Donald Trump’s threat to send military forces to Nigeria if the government fails to stop the killings has been met with mixed reactions. Rev Ayokunle views this as a wake-up call for the Nigerian government. He questions why the government has not addressed the issue before it escalated to this level, especially with the presence of military, police, and other security agencies.
He also addresses concerns about U.S. interventions potentially worsening the situation. Rev Ayokunle argues that if the country is disrupted, it is due to the failure of the government to protect its citizens. He believes that the real disruption comes from the ongoing violence and the government’s inability to respond effectively.
Assessing the Federal Government’s Response
Rev Ayokunle assesses the Federal Government’s response to Trump’s comments as disgraceful. He criticizes the leaders for bringing shame upon the country through their inaction. He points out that leaders like President Tinubu and his allies once campaigned against the then-President Goodluck Jonathan over similar issues. Now, they seem to downplay the situation, claiming that both Christians and Muslims are being killed.
He questions whether it is acceptable for leaders to remain silent while people are being killed. Rev Ayokunle emphasizes the importance of addressing the issue head-on rather than letting it fester.
Conclusion
Rev Ayokunle’s insights highlight the urgent need for action and accountability. He calls for a change in the government’s approach to security and emphasizes the moral responsibility of leaders to protect their citizens. Until justice is done, he vows to continue speaking out against the ongoing violence and persecution.