Christian genocide: CAN youths back Trump military action in Nigeria, demand arrest of Sheikh Gumi
The Youth Wing of the Christian Association of Nigeria (YOWICAN) has raised a passionate alarm over what it described as “systematic genocide and government silence” against Christian communities across the country.
Speaking during a convention held in the Donga Local Government Area of Taraba State, the National Secretary of YOWICAN, Elder Bako Elijah, made this call alongside YOWICAN leaders from Plateau, Nasarawa, Benue, and the North-east.
He lamented the rising wave of killings, kidnappings, and destruction of Christian communities in parts of the North and Middle Belt, accusing government authorities of failing in their constitutional duty to protect lives and property.
Quoting Section 14(2)(b) of the 1999 Constitution, which states that “the security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of government,” Adashu said the situation on the ground paints a picture of neglect and impunity.
“Killings, kidnappings, and destruction of communities have become daily occurrences while those responsible walk freely,” he said. “Despite overwhelming evidence of targeted attacks against Christian communities, government action remains weak or nonexistent.”
The YOWICAN scribe challenged Nigerian leaders to reflect rather than react to the recent comments made by the United States President, Donald Trump, on terrorism and genocide in Nigeria, describing the remarks as “a wake-up call, not an attack on sovereignty.”
He named numerous incidents of violence in Plateau, Benue, Nasarawa, Kaduna, Taraba, and Adamawa states — citing mass killings, destruction of churches, and forced displacement of Christian communities. Adashu also referenced the tragic cases of Leah Sharibu and Deborah Samuel, describing them as symbols of faith and courage amid persecution.
“These are not isolated incidents,” he stressed. “They form part of a deliberate pattern to erase Christian presence from the region.”
YOWICAN further demanded an end to the integration of so-called “repentant terrorists” into the military and the prosecution of Islamic clerics Sheikh Ahmed Gumi and Yahaya Gingril for inciting hate speech.
“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,” he declared.
This comes as President Trump recently designated Nigeria as a ‘country of particular concern’. The US thereafter threatened military action on Nigeria if the federal government did not do something about addressing alleged killings of Christians.
