Following the reelection of President Muhammadu Buhari for a second term in office as president of Nigeria, Release International, a non-governmental organisation that campaigns for persecuted Christians, has urged the federal government to protect the lives of Nigeria’s Christian population.
The Global Terrorism Index ranks Nigeria as the third most terrorised country for the fourth consecutive year. Within this period, it was alleged that Boko Haram and some armed militia (Fulani herdsmen) have killed tens of thousands and driven millions from their homes.
According to Release International, Nigerian Christians especially in the northern part of the country are under pressure from the Islamist Boko Haram movement, which many believed are armed and funded by Islamist movements.
Release International said the president’s priority must be to protect Nigeria’s vulnerable Christian communities. “They have killed with impunity, and that impunity must stop,” said Paul Robinson, the chief executive for Release International.
Christian leaders say the attacks by heavily armed herdsmen amount to ethnic and religious cleansing. They also accuse the military of standing by and failing to prevent the raids. Some even claim collusion by Islamist elements in the armed forces.
“Questions remain about who is arming the Fulani and why? Whose agenda do they serve by attacking Christians? And why has the government of Nigeria done so little to disarm them?’ said Robinson.
‘Nigeria’s re-elected president must answer these questions – and take immediate action to stop the violence.’
Release International partner, the Anglican Archbishop of Jos Ben Kwashi, said: ‘The government has been unable to provide security for the poor. The government must rise to its responsibility to mete out justice and save lives.’
Seyijohn Salau
