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By Bimbola Oyesola
Archbishop of Rhema Christian Church & Towers, Dr. Taiwo Akinola, has called for a decisive national action, following a sudden rise in killings, abductions and attacks targeting Christians across Nigeria.
Speaking yesterday at the church headquarters in Sango Ota, Ogun State, Akinola warned that unless urgent measures are taken, terrorists would continue to grow bolder while citizens lose faith in the institutions meant to protect them.
He condemned the escalating terror attacks against Christians and other vulnerable groups across the country.
The Archbishop, who also serves as the Apostolic Presbyter of the Christ Global Network (CGN) and the International Communion of Charismatic & Apostolic Ministers (ICCAM), expressed concern over what he called a pattern of persistent and targeted violence.
Citing data from the International Society for Civil Liberties and the Rule of Law (Intersociety), he noted that 7,087 Christians were killed between January 1 and August 10, 2025, while 7,800 were abducted; figures he said reflect an average of 32 deaths and 35 kidnappings daily.
He recalled the June 2025 Yelewata massacre in Benue State, where gunmen killed between 100 and 200 Christians and displaced close to 3,000 people. “Incidents like Yelewata shook our collective conscience,” he said, adding that many survivors were forced to seek refuge in a Catholic mission.
The Archbishop also drew attention to recent attacks recorded between October 28 and November 11, where 101 Christians, including four clerics, were murdered, 114 abducted and six churches ransacked across several states.
“These are not just numbers. They represent pastors, priests, fathers, mothers, sons and daughters; innocent worshippers whose lives have been violently cut short or whose families are trapped in grief.”
He acknowledged that victims of insecurity come from various backgrounds but stressed that evidence had shown that Christian communities had suffered disproportionate targeting. “We mourn all victims. But we must not ignore the fact that Christians are being attacked in alarming numbers.”
While appreciating recent government’s gains, including the rescue of abducted church members in Kwara State and the conviction of a notorious terrorist leader, the Archbishop insisted that current efforts remained insufficient. “Where decisive action is lacking, terrorists become emboldened.”
He expressed grave concern over what he called “persistent insinuations of alleged complicity” among some security agents and public officials. “To such compromised individuals, my counsel is simple: fear God,” he said, quoting Proverbs 11:21, which warns that “the wicked shall not go unpunished.”
Declaring the situation a national emergency, Akinola urged the Federal Government to adopt sweeping reforms, including multi-agency coordination, strengthened protection of churches and improved intelligence systems to prevent attacks before they occur.
He further called for a review of Nigeria’s policing structure, including discussions around decentralisation to enhance local accountability and faster response times. “Nigeria cannot afford a security architecture that reacts only on paper while citizens bleed on the streets,” he cautioned.
He also appealed for a depoliticised approach to national security. “Leadership is exercised over living citizens, not over corpses and skeletons in graveyards.”
He welcomed expressions of concern from the international community, including the United States’ recent offer of security support. He urged the government to examine such initiatives carefully and adopt partnerships that uphold Nigeria’s sovereignty and dignity.
Addressing Christians in the affected regions, Akinola extended solidarity, urging them to hold on to hope and remain steadfast in prayer. “Your tears are seen, your suffering is not forgotten and your courage inspires the Body of Christ,” he assured.
Ending on a prophetic and prayerful note, he expressed confidence that Nigeria would overcome its current turmoil. “The forces of violence will not prevail,” he declared. “The holy angels shall ambush every agent of darkness. May God bless the Church of Jesus Christ, bless Nigeria and bless all who work for peace.”
