Bauchi: Bishop Hilary Nanman Dachelem of the Catholic Diocese of Bauchi has called on the Nigerian government, led by President Ahmed Bola Tinubu, to guarantee the right to religious freedom for all citizens, warning that Christian communities in Northern Nigeria continue to face targeted attacks and persecution. Speaking to ACI Africa on January 29 during a meeting of Catholic bishops from the Jos Ecclesiastical Province, Bishop Dachelem stressed that the protection of religious liberty is a fundamental responsibility of the state.
“The Church remains committed to peace, dialogue, and the right of every citizen to worship freely. The government must ensure that freedom of religion is upheld for everyone, regardless of location,” the bishop said.
Bishop Dachelem emphasized that not all Muslims are violent, noting that attacks on Christians are often orchestrated by specific groups seeking to intimidate communities rather than being a reflection of the broader Muslim population. He stressed the importance of honesty and clarity when addressing Nigeria’s challenges, cautioning against generalizations that could inflame tensions.
He pointed to religious extremism in Northern Nigeria as often rooted in manipulation and a lack of personal conviction, with perpetrators influenced by historical patterns linking religion to conflict rather than genuine faith. “There are places where churches and mosques exist side by side without any problems. We do not create conflict; we carry out our religious mission peacefully,” he said.
Reflecting on the recent Christmas celebrations in parts of Northern Nigeria, Bishop Dachelem noted that many communities experienced relative peace compared to previous years. He attributed some of this improvement to international interventions and expressed hope for a harmonious relationship with the United States to help sustain peace.
Since his Episcopal Consecration in August 2017, Bishop Dachelem has led the Bauchi Diocese, a region where Christians live as a minority amid a predominantly Muslim population. He acknowledged that ministering in such an environment is demanding but described it as deeply meaningful, insisting that persecution and genocide must never be tolerated.
“What we do not want is genocide. We do not want persecution. People should be able to practice their faith freely in Northern Nigeria,” he stated. He praised the resilience of local Christians, describing their faith as “strong and unwavering”, with many maintaining peaceful coexistence despite ongoing pressures that affect their livelihoods.
Looking toward Nigeria’s 2027 general elections, Bishop Dachelem warned against political violence and “do-or-die” approaches. He urged both leaders and citizens to value human life over political ambition, noting that the repercussions of election-related violence can endure for generations. “The fruits of bitterness are not good; post-election life is more important. Political life is only for a fraction of people, and it does not make sense that you should go and die for politics,” he said.
At the same time, the bishop encouraged active and responsible Catholic engagement in politics, urging the clergy, religious men and women, and laypeople to participate in civic life in accordance with Catholic social teaching and the pursuit of the common good. “Catholics are not going to fold their hands. Let people come out, vote, and be voted for,” he added.
Bishop Dachelem concluded with a message of hope, emphasizing that peace remains achievable when communities choose dialogue, understanding, and shared responsibility over fear and division. He expressed optimism that Bauchi Diocese could serve as a model for peaceful coexistence in a region long challenged by religious tensions.