ECWA: ‘Christian Genocide in Nigeria Is Real’
Speaking on Thursday, ECWA General Secretary, Dr. Ayuba Asheshe, said the pattern of killings, kidnappings and destruction of worship centres across the country shows a systematic targeting of Christians, especially in the North and Middle Belt.
19,100 Churches Destroyed in 16 Years
According to ECWA’s internal security report, at least 19,100 church buildings have been burnt or destroyed in Nigeria in the last 16 years. This translates to an average of 1,200 churches per year or about three churches daily.
Dr. Asheshe noted that the violence has left thousands of Christian communities displaced and worship activities crippled.
600+ Pastors and Priests Abducted
The church also revealed that more than 600 clerics, including pastors, priests, and missionaries, have been kidnapped in various attacks by armed groups since 2009. Many, according to ECWA, never returned.
ECWA estimates that from 2009 to 2023 alone, over 52,000 Christians were killed, 18,500 abducted, and more than 20,000 church communities attacked nationwide.
Nigeria Accounts for 82% of Christians Killed Globally — Report
Citing data from global watchdog Open Doors, the church said 82% of Christians killed worldwide between October 2022 and September 2023 were Nigerians.
Another international monitor, ACLED, reportedly places the number of Christians killed in Nigeria in the last two decades at over 100,000.
Church Calls for Urgent Federal Intervention
While acknowledging the federal government’s recent efforts to strengthen security agencies, ECWA urged authorities to adopt a more robust, sustained, and intelligence-driven approach to protect vulnerable communities.
Dr. Asheshe appealed for:
- Deployment of additional security personnel in rural Christian communities
- Stronger inter-agency collaboration
- Speedy prosecution of attackers
- Support for families of slain and abducted clergy
He stressed that Nigeria cannot afford to downplay the scale of the crisis if lasting peace must be achieved.
Debate Over ‘Genocide’ Terminology
Although ECWA insists the attacks fit the definition of genocide, some analysts maintain that the term should be used cautiously, arguing that insecurity affects multiple groups. However, Christian organisations continue to insist that the pattern and scale of attacks amount to targeted religious persecution.
As ECWA’s alarm sparks fresh conversations across the country, Nigerians are once again urging decisive action to end years of unchecked violence against religious communities.
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