Abuja : Fr. Peter Okonkwo, Director of the Institute of Consecrated Life in Africa (InCLA), has publicly condemned the Nigerian government's failure to address escalating violence against Christians, stating that the government's silence effectively endorses the actions of perpetrators.

Speaking during the commissioning of a community house for the Claretian Missionaries in Abuja on October 22, 2025, Fr. Okonkwo expressed deep concern over the increasing insecurity faced by Christian communities. He highlighted the closure of over 15 Catholic parishes in the Makurdi Diocese and other regions due to escalating violence, as well as the kidnapping of nuns and the killing of priests. Fr. Okonkwo emphasized that such inaction by the government is perceived as tacit approval of the violence, particularly since many of the victims are Christians.

The violence, initially seen as religiously motivated, has evolved into a widespread criminal enterprise, with kidnappings and attacks occurring across various regions, including the East, West, and South of Nigeria. Fr. Okonkwo warned that this trend poses a grave threat not only to the Church but to the nation's very soul.

In response to these challenges, Fr. Okonkwo called for urgent and decisive action from both federal and state governments to protect citizens and restore faith in the state's ability to ensure safety and justice. He stressed that the current situation is untenable and requires immediate intervention to prevent further erosion of public trust and the continued suffering of vulnerable communities.

The Catholic Diocese of Makurdi, located in Benue State, has been at the epicenter of these attacks. Bishop Wilfred Chikpa Anagbe of the Diocese has reported that since 2018, at least 17 parishes have been closed due to persistent attacks by armed groups. These groups have targeted Christian communities, leading to widespread displacement and loss of life. Bishop Anagbe has characterized these attacks as a form of genocide, calling for immediate government action to protect citizens and restore peace to the region.

The international community has also expressed concern over the situation. Members of the U.S. Congress have demanded that the Nigerian government take stronger measures to protect Christians and other religious minorities from violence and persecution. They have called for increased diplomatic pressure and support for initiatives aimed at promoting religious freedom and human rights in Nigeria.

As the situation continues to deteriorate, religious leaders and human rights organizations are urging the Nigerian government to take immediate and effective action to address the root causes of the violence and to ensure the safety and security of all citizens, regardless of their religious affiliation.