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 persistent killings and attacks targeting Christian communities across Nigeria. The group also demanded urgent reforms in the nation’s security system to rebuild public trust and ensure justice for victims of violence.
This appeal was made during the CRC–N National Youth Fellowship Convention held in Donga, Taraba State, where YOWICAN National Secretary, Eld. Hon. Bako Adashu Elijah, addressed journalists alongside state chairmen from Plateau, Nasarawa, Benue, and the North-East Zone. In a statement signed by Elijah, the youth leaders expressed deep concern over the rising wave of insecurity, especially in the Middle Belt and North-East regions, where Christian communities have suffered devastating attacks with little or no government response.
Quoting the Constitution, Elijah said, “The security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of government. Unfortunately, this noble mandate has not been matched by action. Killings, kidnappings, and community destruction have become daily realities while those responsible walk freely.”
YOWICAN also reacted to the ongoing global debate about alleged genocide in Nigeria, calling on the Federal Government to treat such warnings as a wake-up call rather than a threat. “When the U.S. President mentioned terrorism and genocide in Nigeria, our leaders responded defensively instead of reflectively. That was not an attack on sovereignty but a reminder that the government is losing grip on its duty,” the statement read.
The group highlighted repeated attacks in Plateau, Benue, Nasarawa, Kaduna, Taraba, and Adamawa, where thousands have been killed and whole communities displaced. They also referenced the tragic deaths of Miss Deborah Samuel Yakubu and the prolonged captivity of Leah Sharibu as painful symbols of religious intolerance and the government’s failure to deliver justice.
YOWICAN expressed frustration over what it described as empty government statements that never translate into real action. “If the Nigerian government cannot protect its citizens, why should it prevent other nations from assisting in the fight against terrorism?” they questioned.
The group called for a comprehensive security sector reform, including a review of the office of the National Security Adviser, and warned against reintegrating “repentant” Boko Haram members into the armed forces, saying it poses a grave risk to national security.
Elijah emphasized the need for fairness and inclusivity in governance, insisting that no religion or region should dominate another. “At this critical time, we demand Christian inclusion and equity in national leadership. Justice must be given to all citizens equally,” he stated.
Reaffirming their faith and patriotism, the Christian youths pledged continued support for peace and nation-building efforts. “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 concluded.
He ended with a solemn reminder to leaders: “Power is transient, but posterity is eternal. Let history record that when evil thrived, the Church did not stay silent.”
