By Luminous Jannamike
THE Youth Wing of the Christian Association of Nigeria (YOWICAN) has urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to take swift and decisive action to end the recurring killings and attacks on Christian communities across the country.
The group also called for urgent reforms within the security architecture to rebuild public trust and ensure justice for victims of violence.
The appeal was made during the CRC–N National Youth Fellowship Convention in Donga Local Government Area of Taraba State, where the National Secretary of YOWICAN, Eld. Hon. Bako Adashu Elijah, addressed journalists alongside YOWICAN chairmen from Plateau, Nasarawa, Benue, and the North East Zone.
In a statement signed by Elijah, the Christian youth leaders expressed deep worry over the continued wave of insecurity in parts of the country, lamenting that Christian communities in the Middle Belt and North-East regions have suffered repeated attacks without adequate government response.
“The 1999 Constitution clearly defines the duty of government toward its citizens; the security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of government. Unfortunately, this noble constitutional mandate has not been matched by reality. Killings, kidnappings, and destruction of communities have become daily occurrences, while those responsible walk freely,” Elijah said.
The youth leaders also reacted to the recent global debate on alleged genocide in Nigeria, urging the Federal Government to view such concerns as a wake-up call rather than a threat to national sovereignty.
“When the President of the United States made reference to terrorism and genocide in Nigeria, many of our leaders responded defensively rather than introspectively. His statement is not an attack on our sovereignty but a call to a government that seems to have lost grip on its primary responsibility,” the group stated.
YOWICAN highlighted several cases of targeted attacks against Christian communities in states such as Plateau, Benue, Nasarawa, Kaduna, Taraba, and Adamawa, saying thousands have been killed and entire villages displaced.
They also drew attention to the gruesome killing of Miss Deborah Samuel Yakubu in Sokoto State and the continued captivity of Miss Leah Sharibu, describing both as painful reminders of religious intolerance and the lack of justice for victims.
“From Plateau to Benue, Nasarawa to Taraba, Christian communities have been repeatedly attacked, their churches destroyed, and their lands occupied. This is a humanitarian tragedy that calls for both government intervention and global attention,” Elijah lamented.
The group expressed frustration over what it described as the government’s slow response to insecurity, noting that repeated statements of condemnation have failed to translate into tangible action.
“What has the government done beyond issuing empty statements of condemnation? If the Nigerian government cannot protect its citizens, then why should it prevent other nations or international allies from assisting in the fight against terrorism?” the group queried.
YOWICAN called for a comprehensive review of the nation’s security leadership including the office of the National Security Adviser and stronger oversight mechanisms to ensure justice for victims and accountability for offenders.
The group also cautioned against the reintegration of repentant Boko Haram members into the armed forces, warning that such actions could endanger national security.
“Justice must be equally given to all citizens regardless of tribe or religion. Repented terrorists must not be absorbed into the military; this endangers the victims and mocks the memory of the dead,” Elijah emphasized.
The Christian youths also demanded greater inclusivity in Nigeria’s political system, stressing that no religion or region should dominate others in governance or policy decisions.
“There must be fairness and balance in the political system. No region or faith should dominate others unjustly. At this critical time, we demand Christian inclusion and equity in national leadership,” Elijah said.
Reaffirming their faith and commitment to peace, the youths pledged continued support for the Federal Government in restoring security and justice across the nation.
“We shall continue to support the Federal Government in ensuring that sanity is restored and justice prevails across all parts of the nation. Our call is simple: Let there be justice, let there be peace, and let Nigeria rise again as a nation where faith is not a crime and human life is sacred,” Elijah said.
He further reminded leaders of the moral weight of their actions, urging them to remember that power is temporary, but posterity is eternal.
“Power is transient, but posterity is eternal. Let history record that when evil thrived, the Church did not keep quiet. Let the world know that the youths of the Christian Association of Nigeria stood for righteousness, unity, and peace even in the darkest hour,” Elijah warned.
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