Security Challenges in Nigeria “can trigger vast humanitarian crisis”: Christian Leaders

“For this reason, the apex Christian body under the leadership of Archbishop Daniel Okoh has committed to fostering genuine unity, building true peace, and promoting honest tolerance among people of all faith in the country,” Mr. Jannamike says.

Since 2009 when Boko Haram insurgency emerged with the aim of turning Africa’s most populous nation into an Islamic state, Nigeria has been experiencing insecurity.

Boko Haram, one of the largest Islamist groups in Africa, has been orchestrating indiscriminate terrorist attacks on various targets, including religious and political groups as well as civilians.

The insecurity situation has further been complicated by the involvement of the predominantly Muslim Fulani herdsmen, also referred to as the Fulani Militia, who have been clashing frequently with Christian farmers.

At the Funeral Mass of Fr. Isaac Achi, the Nigerian Catholic Priest who was murdered when Sts. Peter and Paul Kaffin Koro Parish of the Catholic Diocese of Minna was attacked on January 15, a Priest in the country said insecurity has persisted for far too long.

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“The issue of insecurity in this country, associated with banditry, kidnapping, Boko Haram, herders, farmers conflict, unknown gunmen, and lots more, has lasted for too long,” Fr. Samuel Gwimi said in his homily, calling upon the Nigerian government to be alert on security matters.

Silas Mwale Isenjia is a Kenyan journalist with a great zeal and interest for Catholic Church related communication. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Linguistics, Media and Communication from Moi University in Kenya. Silas has vast experience in the Media production industry. He currently works as a Journalist for ACI Africa.