By Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna
United States President Donald Trump’s designation of Nigeria as a “Country of Concern” over alleged Christian persecution has prompted alarming revelations from a prominent Christian leader in Northern Nigeria.
Apostle Emmanuel Nuhu Kure, Chairman of the Southern Kaduna Christian Leaders Association (SKCLA) and former National Secretary of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), claimed that churches are not permitted in many northern cities and institutions, including Bayero and Sokoto Universities, while mosques are reportedly prevalent in these areas. He said this policy has encouraged jihadist ideologies hostile to the Christian faith.
Apostle Kure made the statements in a personal, signed statement made available to journalists in Kaduna.
“In many northern cities and institutions of learning, churches are not permitted to be built, while mosques abound, thereby encouraging jihadist ideologies that are hostile to the Christian faith,” he said.
He described Trump’s designation of Nigeria as a “Country of Concern” as long overdue and a “welcome development,” noting that the Nigerian government has consistently failed to acknowledge or address the plight of Christians in the North.
“For far too long, Christians in the North have been abandoned by the very nation that should protect them,” Kure said. He accused successive governments, northern Muslim leaders, and some Christian leaders of paying lip service to peace, human rights, and unity, while minority communities face systematic marginalization.
Kure highlighted ongoing challenges, including land seizure, reduction of political representation, forced marriages, and sponsorship of jihadist activities. He also cited recent killings in Benue, Plateau, and Southern Kaduna, as well as neglect of dangerous roads and inadequate security measures in Borno, as evidence of targeted persecution of Christian communities.
“The Federal Government must no longer deny these realities,” Kure stated. “It must establish a credible, independent inquiry led by impartial Nigerians to investigate these allegations.”
He further urged churches to speak out and called on government authorities to ensure a level playing field for all religions to practice freely. Kure commended the Kaduna State Government’s early reform efforts but stressed that broader action is required across Northern Nigeria.
Apostle Kure also praised Trump, saying his stance serves as a “hand of divine correction,” compelling nations to confront injustices that domestic authorities have ignored. He called on Nigerian leaders to act decisively, warning that “the moment of reckoning is now.”
