Months after devastating attacks on Christmas and Easter, Nigeria’s government is under fire for its perceived inaction in protecting Christians from Muslim extremists. Father Andrew Dewan of Pankshin Diocese has denounced authorities for failing to secure safety for vulnerable communities facing relentless violence and displacement.
Father Dewan, overseeing aid efforts at St. Thomas’s Catholic Church in Bokkos, Plateau State, voiced dismay over the government’s neglect. He lamented that elected officials show little concern for the welfare of those affected, leaving Christian communities to rely on churches and NGOs for basic necessities.
“The situation is dire,” Father Dewan disclosed to Aid to the Church in Need (ACN), detailing ongoing attacks that include recent kidnappings and killings targeting Christians. He emphasized that while conflicts over land contribute to tensions, religious motives are unmistakable. Muslim-majority herdsmen frequently target predominantly Christian farming villages, exacerbating an already severe food crisis.
“The faith of the Christian community is being severely tested,” Father Dewan remarked. Despite efforts to encourage perseverance and forgiveness, many feel abandoned and hopeless as violence persists unchecked. He warned of impending famine due to disrupted farming activities and rising food prices, which have doubled in recent months.
With tensions escalating and no respite in sight, Father Dewan’s testimonies underscore a growing crisis of security and humanitarian aid in Nigeria’s Middle Belt region. The government’s inability to stem violence continues to pose profound challenges for affected communities striving to rebuild amidst adversity.