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By Lukman Olabiyi
Renowned cleric and leadership expert, Pastor Sam Adeyemi, has called on the Federal Government to prioritize addressing the root causes of violence and killings across Nigeria, instead of engaging in debates over whether the crisis constitutes “genocide” against Christians.
Adeyemi, senior pastor of Daystar Christian Centre, Lagos, made the call during a press conference ahead of the church’s 30th anniversary celebration, themed “A Mosaic of Changed Lives.”
Speaking on the recent decision by the United States government to designate Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern over alleged Christian genocide, the pastor said the focus should be on protecting lives, rather than disputing terminologies.
“Christians are being killed in large numbers across the country and that cannot be contested because the evidence is everywhere on the internet, in pictures and in statistics.
“We should not be arguing over semantics, whether to call it genocide or not. The reality is that lives are being lost and every death is a tragedy to a family,”Adeyemi said.
He explained that the U.S. got involved after Nigerians who had suffered persecution reached out to American officials, prompting a response consistent with America’s core values.
“America intervened because of its values—life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness, as stated in their Declaration of Independence. They value human life. The real question is, do we value human life in our own country?” he asked.
Sharing a personal experience, Adeyemi revealed that his mother has been unable to visit their hometown in Kogi State since his father’s burial last year due to fear of kidnappers.
“There are many Nigerians who can no longer travel to their hometowns because of insecurity. We cannot deny that some of those carrying out these attacks identify with fringe Islamic sects who believe they are fulfilling a divine mandate. But we must also acknowledge that the majority of Muslims are honest, good and kind people. I grew up among them in Niger State and served in Kano State; I know this firsthand,”he said.
The cleric cautioned against direct U.S. intervention, warning that it could further complicate the situation, given that some individuals who support religious violence hold positions of power and influence in the country.
“If America intervenes, it will be messy. Some of those behind these killings are powerful and wealthy. After the intervention, America will leave, but we will still have to face ourselves and talk,” he noted.
Adeyemi reiterated his long-standing call for a national dialogue to address Nigeria’s deep-rooted challenges beyond religious and ethnic lines, saying: “We need to sit down as a nation and discuss where we want this country to go.”
Midway into cross-examination, Justice Maryann Anenih adjourned the case to January 15 and 16, February 10 and 11, and March 10, 11 and 12, 2026 for continuation of trial.
