Prominent Church leader, Taiwo Akinola decries rising attacks on Christians, urges FG to declare national emergency

The Archbishop of Rhema Christian Church & Towers, Taiwo Akinola, has issued a strongly worded statement condemning the escalating wave of violent attacks targeting Christians and vulnerable communities across Nigeria, warning that the country is “bleeding on the streets” while terror groups grow increasingly emboldened.

In a press statement released on Tuesday, Archbishop Akinola—who also serves as Apostolic Presbyter of the Christ Global Network (CGN) and the International Communion of Charismatic & Apostolic Ministers (ICCAM)—described the killings as a national tragedy demanding urgent and decisive government action.

Citing a recent report by the International Society for Civil Liberties and the Rule of Law (Intersociety), the cleric said 7,087 Christians were killed and 7,800 abducted between January 1 and August 10, 2025, averaging 32 deaths and 35 abductions daily. He also recalled the June 2025 Yelwata massacre in Benue State, where armed attackers reportedly slaughtered between 100 and 200 Christians and forced about 3,000 residents to flee to a nearby Catholic mission.

More recently, he added, 101 Christians—including four clerics—were killed, 114 abducted, and six churches ransacked across multiple states within just two weeks, from October 28 to November 11.

“These numbers are not mere abstractions,” Akinola said. “They represent pastors and priests, fathers and mothers, sons and daughters—innocent worshippers whose lives have been violently cut short.”

While acknowledging that victims of violence include people of diverse faiths and ethnicities, the Archbishop maintained that Christian communities remain disproportionately targeted.

Akinola praised recent government successes, including the rescue of abducted church members in Kwara State, recovery of kidnapped schoolchildren, and the conviction of a notorious terrorist leader sentenced to 20 years in prison.

However, he warned that sporadic victories cannot substitute for a coherent national security strategy, stressing that “where there is a lack of tangible and decisive action, terrorists and aggressors become emboldened.”

The Archbishop also raised concerns over ongoing allegations of possible complicity by some security operatives and public officials. Addressing such individuals, he offered a pointed admonition: “Fear God… the wicked shall not be unpunished.”

Seven-Point Call for Government Action

Declaring that the situation amounts to a national emergency, Archbishop Akinola urged the Federal Government to adopt a coordinated, transparent, and proactive response. His recommendations include:

1. Officially recognizing the crisis as a national emergency requiring accelerated multi-agency coordination.

2. Enhancing protection of places of worship through stronger intelligence and rapid-response systems.

3. Investing in early-warning and preventive operations to stop attacks before they occur.

4. Reviewing Nigeria’s policing structure, including responsible decentralization.

5. Strengthening accountability by ensuring timely arrests and prosecutions of offenders.

6. Depoliticising security, especially ahead of the 2027 elections.

7. Expanding collaboration with communities and international partners to address root causes such as radicalization, land disputes, and arms proliferation.

He welcomed the United States’ recent expression of willingness to support Nigeria’s security efforts, urging the government to engage such offers prudently and in ways that respect national sovereignty.

Message to Christians and a Prophetic Assurance

Addressing Christians nationwide—especially those in the hardest-hit regions—the Archbishop expressed solidarity and urged them to remain steadfast in faith, prayer, and peace.

“Your tears are seen, your suffering is not forgotten, your lives matter deeply,” he said.

He honoured the memories of slain clergy and laypersons, praying that their families find comfort.

In closing, Archbishop Akinola issued what he termed a prophetic assurance that Nigeria would overcome its current turmoil.

“The evil plots of the wicked shall never prevail over Nigeria,” he declared, praying that God’s intervention and the “holy angels” would frustrate violent actors and restore lasting peace.

The statement ends with a blessing on the Church, the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and all citizens working for peace and unity.