By Charles Igwe
Amidst escalating violence against Christians in Nigeria, experts warn that the country may be on the brink of a “religious war.” A Catholic-inspired think tank accuses various levels of the Nigerian government of complicity in the killings, raising concerns about the authorities’ alleged encouragement of the bloodshed.
Intersociety, a democracy and human rights advocacy group, reports that at least 500 Christians have been killed in Plateau State since January, with a staggering 52,250 Nigerian Christians brutally murdered by Islamist militants over the past 14 years. The director of Intersociety, Emeka Umeagbalasi, accuses the government of fostering the crisis by injecting security forces with a jihadist ideology.
Umeagbalasi claims that jihadist elements have infiltrated not only the security forces but also other government structures, leading to what he calls the current administration’s “nonchalant attitude” toward the crisis. He highlights instances where officials in various branches of government show support for jihadist ideologies.
The persecution of Christians is not limited to Plateau State, as Kaduna and Benue are also identified as hotspots of Christian persecution in northern Nigeria. The former governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai, has been accused of excluding Christians from government based on their political affiliations, leading to widespread condemnation and calls for an international investigation.
Franklyne Ogbunwezeh, a Senior Research Fellow, warns that the Christian population in central Nigeria is facing a genocidal campaign, and the country is on the brink of a religious war. He accuses the Nigerian government of ignoring the cries of victims and allowing jihadists to spill innocent blood.
Emeka Umeagbalasi notes that attacks on Christians are downplayed by authorities, while assaults on members of the Muslim Fulani people receive widespread attention. He claims that the de facto state sponsorship of violence has pushed the situation to a dangerous level, with the government allegedly conspiring in the killings.
Amidst the escalating crisis, a member of the Nigerian House of Representatives suggests communities taking up arms against jihadists, but concerns are raised about potential repercussions and an increase in violence. Umeagbalasi calls on the international community to link foreign aid to assurances of freedom for Christians to worship without fear and a more vigorous fight against jihadism.
