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Tag: terrorism in Nigeria

  • Christian Genocide Claims: Northern CAN Defends Bishop Kukah, Benue Governor, Calls for Unity Against Terrorism

    Christian Genocide Claims: Northern CAN Defends Bishop Kukah, Benue Governor, Calls for Unity Against Terrorism

    By Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna

    The 19 Northern States and Abuja chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has defended Bishop Matthew Kukah of the Sokoto Catholic Diocese and Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, amid widespread criticism over comments linked to allegations of Christian genocide in Nigeria.The controversy followed claims attributed to the administration of former United States President Donald Trump, which suggested that Christians were facing genocide in Nigeria. Bishop Kukah and Governor Alia were accused by some Christian groups of dismissing those allegations, sparking intense debate nationwide.

    Addressing journalists during a media parley held over the weekend in Kaduna, Northern CAN Chairman, Rev. Joseph John Hayab, said the remarks credited to Bishop Kukah were largely misrepresented. He explained that the cleric did not deny the killing of Christians but raised rhetorical questions aimed at promoting deeper reflection on the issue.

    According to Rev. Hayab, Bishop Kukah acknowledged the reality of violence against Christians while questioning how genocide is defined. He said the bishop emphasized that genocide should be determined by intent and action, not merely by the number of casualties.

    Rev. Hayab cited the killing of Deborah Samuel in Sokoto as an example raised by Bishop Kukah to illustrate that even the murder of one person could constitute genocide if driven by targeted hatred. He noted that selective reporting distorted the bishop’s message and fueled public outrage.On the position of the Benue State governor, Rev. Hayab said Governor Alia’s comments should be viewed within a political context. He explained that while the governor acknowledged ongoing killings in Benue, his framing reflected the complexities of political leadership rather than a denial of violence against Christians.

    The Northern CAN chairman urged Nigerians not to magnify internal disagreements but to focus on confronting the larger threat of terrorism. He stressed that divisions along religious lines only embolden violent groups operating in the region. Rev. Hayab called for stronger unity between Christians and Muslims in northern Nigeria, noting that terrorism would be significantly weakened if communities presented a united front. He said terrorists thrive on division and exploit religious narratives to sustain their operations.“

    We may not all carry weapons, but when terrorists know that an attack on one community angers everyone, their activities will be curtailed,” he said. He added that terrorists should be seen by all Nigerians as common enemies, regardless of faith or ethnicity.He also warned of alleged attempts by terror groups to escalate religious tensions ahead of elections, particularly in parts of northern and North-Central Nigeria. Rev. Hayab urged citizens to resist manipulation and instead demand stronger action from government and security agencies. The CAN chairman reaffirmed the association’s commitment to humanitarian support for victims of violence, recalling past interventions in communities affected by attacks, including the Owo church attack and relief efforts across the Middle Belt.

    Concluding, Rev. Hayab emphasized that the loss of any Nigerian life is a national tragedy. He urged leaders to rise to their responsibilities and called on citizens to remain united in the collective fight against terrorism and insecurity.

  • Terrorist Attacks in Niger State Kill 42, Scores Abducted in Agwara and Borgu LGA

    Terrorist Attacks in Niger State Kill 42, Scores Abducted in Agwara and Borgu LGA

    By Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna

    At least 42 people have been killed and scores abducted following coordinated terrorist attacks in Niger State, targeting communities in Agwara and Borgu Local Government Areas, according to residents and security sources. The attacks, which reportedly spanned several villages over the past week, were described by locals as sustained assaults carried out with little resistance due to the absence of security personnel in affected areas. A community source said the assailants struck Kasuwan Daji near Papiri, killing 37 people, while five others were reportedly killed in Kaima village. Several residents, including women and children, were abducted during the raids.

    Among those taken were pupils and students of St. Mary’s Private Catholic Primary and Secondary Schools, Papiri, the source said. Markets were also targeted, with at least one market set ablaze and shops looted.“They came out of the forest and attacked freely for about a week,” a resident said. “Just yesterday, they burned a market and abducted many people, including children. Communities are in distress and urgently need help.”

    The Catholic Diocese of Kontagora confirmed that its facilities were also attacked. The Director of Communications for the diocese, Rev. Fr. Stephen Kabirat, said terrorists stormed a mission house, destroyed religious items, and stole two motorcycles and cash estimated at ₦200,000.

    “Our parish priest narrowly escaped abduction when the attackers came to the mission house three days ago,” Kabirat said. “They were looking for him, but abducted villagers instead, including children.” Residents said fear has forced some communities to flee their homes. A villager reported that families from affected areas are sleeping in nearby bushes for safety amid continued threats. “As I speak with you, some villages have been displaced. People are afraid to return home because of the terrorists’ activities,” the resident said.

    The Niger State Police Command confirmed the incident, stating that it received a distress report around 9:00 p.m. on Saturday regarding a violent attack by suspected bandits.In a statement, the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Wasiu Abiodun, said suspected bandits invaded Kasuwan Daji at about 4:30 p.m., allegedly from the National Park forest along Kabe District. “Over 30 persons were killed, the market was burned, shops were looted, and food items were carted away,” Abiodun said.

    He added that a joint security team has visited the affected communities and that efforts are ongoing to rescue abducted victims and restore order.The police said investigations are continuing and assured residents that further updates would be provided as operations progress. The latest attacks add to growing security concerns in Niger State, particularly in rural communities bordering forested areas, where residents have repeatedly called for increased security presence and sustained patrols to deter armed groups.