… Says Denial of Christian Genocide in Nigeria, a Lie
By Mmaduabuchi Onwumelu
The Catholic Bishop of Awka Diocese, Most Reverend Paulinus Ezeokafor, says the Federal Government is not being truthful if it claims that Christians are not targeted in Nigeria, especially in the North.
The Bishop’s comments which he made at St. Mark’s Catholic Church, Abagana, in Njikoka Local Government Area of Anambra, followed the launch of deadly strikes against terrorists in Sokoto on Thursday night, 25th of December 2025, by the United States forces.
The U.S. President, Donald Trump, it will be recalled, had confirmed the attacks earlier on the morning of the next day, insisting that he would not allow attacks against Christians. Trump also vowed to continue the strikes if the attacks on Christians persisted.
The Nigerian government had denied any form of genocide against Christians, adding that the terrorism in parts of the country affected both Christians and Muslims alike.
But Bishop Ezeokafor said evidence abound as to incidences of attacks on the Christian population in the North, their eviction from their ancestral homes, and subsequent quartering at Internally-Displaced Persons, IDP camps.
‘Christianity is facing a serious war in Nigeria, and anyone denying that is not being honest. People are being displaced and sent to IDP camps, and these terrorists take over their lands and communities.
‘So, no matter the interpretation or coloration given to it, the truth is that some people want to subdue others. People from a certain religion want to eradicate some others from the Christian Faith.
‘Religion is a way of life, and in Nigeria, we have two major religions – Christianity and Islam. We believe also that these two religions can co-exist in Nigeria while maintaining their territorial areas and ways of practice. Otherwise, none can put the other in the pocket,’ he said.
The prelate waved aside the coloration by the government that both Christians and Muslims were being targeted by the terrorists, insisting that the government was only trying to be clever by half.
‘I have also heard people say that Muslims are also killed alongside the Christians. But the question is – who are the ones persistently perpetrating these killings. If you answer this question honestly, you will know where the problem is coming from,’ he said.
The Bishop also condemned the practice of government negotiating with terrorists and bandits, saying that was the reason they were emboldened to continue to perpetrate terror.
According to him, ‘I have never seen anywhere in the world where any sane government is negotiating with criminals, kidnappers and bandits.
‘That’s why I am among those who believe that if the Nigerian government cannot protect the lives of its citizens, then, there is nothing wrong in seeking assistance from the United States to do so, because no one should die in the hands of another, just because they feel they are superior.’
