The Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA) has raised the alarm over what it described as an ongoing genocide against Christians in Nigeria, urging the Federal Government and the international community to take urgent action to stem the violence.
The General Secretary of ECWA, Rev. (Dr) Ayuba Asheshe, made the assertion while addressing journalists in Jos, Plateau State, where he said evidence of systematic attacks against Christians in the country was “incontrovertible.”
According to him, the violence, which he said dates back to the early years of Nigeria’s history, has intensified significantly since 2009, with Christian communities bearing the brunt of attacks by organised terror groups.
Rev. Asheshe acknowledged that Muslims have also suffered from insecurity but maintained that Christians remain the primary targets of coordinated assaults carried out by Boko Haram, Fulani militias and other Islamic extremist groups.
“There is clear, verifiable evidence of a systematic and coordinated campaign of terrorism against Christians in Nigeria,” he said, adding that attacks on Christian communities in Northern Nigeria, the Middle Belt and parts of Western Nigeria occur almost daily, alongside widespread kidnappings.
He further alleged that the sustained violence was aimed at annihilating Christians in pursuit of an Islamisation agenda, citing the displacement of indigenous Christian populations, the seizure of ancestral lands and economic deprivation as deliberate strategies to weaken and subdue affected communities.
While commending the Federal Government for what he described as “decisive steps” in addressing insecurity, the ECWA scribe urged the authorities to fully discharge their constitutional responsibility of protecting all citizens, irrespective of religious affiliation.
He also called on the international community, including the United Nations, the African Union and global human rights organisations, to intervene urgently to prevent further escalation of the crisis.
“The blood of innocent Nigerians—men, women and children—cries for justice. The time to act is now, instead of denial,” Asheshe said.
The cleric cautioned the Federal Government against engaging or retaining individuals he described as “insecurity sympathisers” at any level of governance, whether through appointments, employment or voluntary roles.
He further advocated sustained collaboration between the Federal Government, state governments, community leaders and credible civil society organisations to ensure lasting peace and security.
“As a Church, ECWA remains committed to praying for the peace, unity and prosperity of Nigeria,” he said, adding that the church was ready to partner with all tiers of government in promoting justice, peacebuilding and community reconciliation.
