Over one hundred Christian traditional and religious leaders from Northern Nigeria met in Abuja, capital of Nigeria, on Sunday 14 December in the midst of the country’s growing security challenges.
Concerns have been growing in recent months following a huge rise in the number of kidnappings across northern Nigeria – the most prominent being the abduction of over 300 schoolchildren from St Mary’s Catholic School in Papiri in Niger State on 21 November.
Well-known pastor Paul Enenche, from Dunamis International Gospel Centre, told the leaders that they had gathered together from the North Central and North East regions to pray and speak with one voice for lasting solutions to the insecurity affecting the region. He said that the security situation has prevented farmers from accessing their farmlands, exacerbating poverty in the area. He urged the leaders not to let the current insecurity diminish their love for the country and encouraged Christian traditional and religious leaders to remain united, assuring that the situation would eventually improve.
The event was co-ordinated by Church in Chains partner Stefanos Foundation and Mark Lipdo of Stefanos (pictured) spoke on the theme for the meeting, “The Blood of the Martyrs: Seed of the Church.” Mark said that Christians would continue to promote religious harmony and peaceful coexistence in the region and called on the Nigerian government to take decisive action against those sponsoring banditry and other criminal activities undermining the nation’s stability.
Senator Simon Mwadkum representing Senator Jonah Jang, former Governor of Plateau State, said that terrorists and their sponsors operate with impunity, and peace would not return until justice is served. He urged the government to halt the killings and support those affected by insurgency, emphasising that perpetrators must be arrested and prosecuted.
Some other Christian leaders, including Pastor Gideon Darwell (pictured), recounted personal tragedies, such as the murder of his wife and five children on Christmas Eve 2023 in Plateau State.
Papiri parents wait for news
The parents of the 165 schoolchildren abducted from St Mary’s Catholic School in Papiri in Niger State on 21 November and who remain in captivity continue to wait anxiously for news of their children. One hundred were released on 7 December but the parents of the missing schoolchildren have heard nothing since.
Marcus Philip Abuka, whose daughter is still in captivity, said “Naturally I feel sad that she was not among the 100 children released and I therefore call on the government to wipe our tears away by ensuring the speedy rescue of the remaining children. We are still in pain and sadness”.
Dauda Chekula, whose three children are still in captivity, said “We are praying fervently that the government will be able to secure their release before Christmas. We are praying, we appreciate what the government has done so far, and we are hopeful that our own children will be released soon, too. Christmas without the children is more dampening. “
(City Post, Leadership, Stefanos Foundation)