The Nigerian Supreme Council for Ecclesiastical Affairs (NSCEA) has strongly responded to a recent statement issued by the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), which dismissed reports of Christian genocide in Nigeria. In its rejoinder dated October 10, 2025, NSCEA expressed deep concern over what it described as an attempt to “trivialize and deny” the persistent and well-documented persecution of Christians across several regions of the country. The council noted that the NSCIA’s position is both misleading and insensitive to the harsh realities faced by millions of Christians who continue to endure targeted violence, abductions, forced conversions, and displacement.
As a responsible ecclesiastical body representing the Christian constituency across denominations and councils, NSCEA finds the NSCIA’s position not only misleading but also deeply insensitive to the realities faced by millions of Nigerian Christians who continue to suffer targeted violence, abductions, forced conversions, and displacement, as Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) decries rising attacks against the Christian communities in Nigeria, urging the Government to protect Christians.
1. The Facts Cannot Be Denied:
Contrary to the NSCIA’s dismissal, credible international and domestic reports — including those from Amnesty International, Open Doors, Human Rights Watch, and the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) — have consistently identified Nigeria as one of the most dangerous countries in the world to be a Christian. Thousands of Christians have been murdered, churches burned, and communities destroyed, particularly in the Middle Belt and Northern regions.
It is therefore not propaganda but painful reality when Christian leaders, churches, and global observers raise alarm over these atrocities. To deny this suffering is to re-victimize those who have already paid the price of faith with their blood.
Infact, given this NSCIA’s dismissal of Christian genocide claims in Nigeria, it’s crucial to hold them accountable for the alleged atrocities, that is to say, “In light of NSCIA’s dismissal of Christian genocide claims, it’s imperative to present them with irrefutable evidence of the atrocities Christians have faced in Nigeria, demanding a thorough explanation and accountability for their stance.” NSCEA affirms.
2. International Recognition of the Crisis:
The NSCEA applauds the boldness and moral clarity of U.S. Senator Ted Cruz and other American legislators, who have spoken openly against the ongoing persecution of Christians in Nigeria. As highlighted in our earlier statement — “NSCEA Hails U.S. Senators for Calling Out Christian Persecution in Nigeria” (Pentalk News, 2025) — such international acknowledgment validates what local faith communities have been crying out for years: that there is an orchestrated and systemic religious persecution against Christians in Nigeria.
Their intervention is not interference; it is a call for justice, accountability, and humanity, values shared by all faith traditions.
3. NSCEA Stands for Truth, Peace, and Justice:
While NSCEA remains committed to interfaith harmony and national unity, truth must never be sacrificed on the altar of diplomacy. Our Lord Jesus Christ taught us that “You shall know the truth, and the truth shall set you free” (John 8:32).
We therefore appeal to our Muslim brothers in NSCIA to engage in constructive dialogue based on mutual respect and honesty — not denial and blame-shifting.
Christians do not seek conflict; we seek protection, justice, and equality under the law. It is neither propaganda nor provocation to demand that the Nigerian government uphold the constitutional right of every citizen to life, safety, and freedom of worship.
4. A Call to National Conscience:
Nigeria stands at a moral crossroads. When one faith community is attacked and silenced, the entire nation’s humanity is diminished. We call on religious leaders, government authorities, and civil society to rise above sentiment and acknowledge the truth so that healing and genuine peace can emerge.
The Nigerian Supreme Council for Ecclesiastical Affairs (NSCEA) reaffirms its commitment to work with all stakeholders, including the NSCIA, CAN, and the international community, towards the protection of every Nigerian’s religious liberty. However, this partnership must begin with truth, compassion, and accountability.
Signed:
Bishop Professor Funmilayo Adesanya-Davies
Secretary General, Elders’ Council,
Nigerian Supreme Council for Ecclesiastical Affairs (NSCEA).
