…“It could escalate violence,” they assert.
by Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna
Christian leaders, under the auspices of ‘Ministers’ Conference of Baptist Theological Saminary,’ Kaduna Nigeria Baptist Convention, has cautioned against leveling Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” (CPC) over alleged violations of religious freedom, emphasizing that the action could escalate violence.
The Conference delegates expressed fears that the action may limit access to military assistance and legitimate security equipment, thereby weakening the nation’s ability to combat terrorism, banditry, and other violent crimes.
This is contained in a communiqué issued at end of the 65th Annual Ministers’ Conference held in Kaduna, dated 10th October, 2025, and signed by Chairman Board of Governors, Kaduna, Rev. Joseph John Hayab, and Acting President of the Seminary, Rev. Dr Manasseh Panpe.
The Conference delegates stated that, it noted with concern, the move by the United States Senate to designate Nigeria as a CPC over alleged violations of religious freedom; but the conference, nevertheless, acknowledged that Christians in Nigeria face persecution.
According to communiqué, Christian persecution is not only through killings but also through various forms of discriminations, based on faith, and appealed to foreign governments and international bodies not to place Nigeria on the ‘CPC’ list.
The delegates emphasized that such a designation would not resolve the underlying issues of insecurity and religious tension.
“Delegates further cautioned that labeling Nigeria as a CPC could inadvertently escalate violence, as such action may limit access to military assistance and legitimate security equipment – thereby weakening the nation’s ability to combat terrorism, banditry, and other violent crimes,” it stated.
The Conference, therefore, urged foreign partners to adopt other ‘constructive and collaborative measures’ to support Nigeria in addressing its security and religious freedom challenges.
The Conference decried the persistent hardship confronting Nigerians, noting that banditry, insurgency, and unemployment have disrupted livelihoods and weakened community bonds.
It called on the government to lead with the fear of God, formulate people-centered economic policies, and prioritize human welfare above political interests.
Earlier, the communiqué, in a conference, held at the Baptist Theological Seminary, Kaduna 6th-10th October, 2025, cautioned against elaborate and financially-burdensome wedding and burial practices that discourage intending couples and families, under the guise of “culture.”
It stressed that the Holy Scriptures remain superior to societal norms, and urged the Church to model moderation, contentment, and godly marriages that honor Christ.
The Conference also lamented the growing silence of some church leaders in the face of moral decay and injustice, and warned that such silence undermines the Church’s moral authority and called on ministers to speak truth to power with wisdom and courage.
The Church, it resolved, must remain the conscience of the nation and a voice for the voiceless.
On its part, the Board of Governors of the Baptist Theological Seminary, Kaduna, reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening theological education and leadership development.
The Conference commended the Seminary’s ongoing reforms, expressed gratitude to its management for hosting a spiritually-enriching event, and announced plans to appoint a substantive President soon. Delegates lauded the Seminary’s partnership with Bethel High School as a model of vision-driven Christian education.
The Conference expressed concern over the apathy of many Christians towards the electoral process, and tasked Pastors to mobilize members to register and obtain their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Delegates emphasized that political participation is both a civic and moral duty that enables believers to promote righteousness in governance.
While it acknowledged the efforts of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, and Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State in improving national unity and security coordination, it also noted “visible progress.”
The conference urged governments at all levels to sustain reforms, strengthen local peace-building initiatives, and prioritize justice and welfare for victims of violence.
The 65th Annual Ministers’ Conference of the Baptist Theological Seminary Kaduna of the Nigeria Baptist Convention for Her Pastors in Northern Nigeria was held at the Baptist Theological Seminary, Kaduna, under the theme: ‘The Authority of Scripture and the Mission of the Church in Troubled Times.’
The Conference brought together pastors, theological scholars, and church leaders from across the 19 Northern States and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), representing a community of about four million Baptist members across the Northern States, over 4,000 pastors, and more than 5,000 local churches.
“After a week of prayers, reflection, and deliberations on spiritual and national matters, the Conference reaffirmed the absolute authority of the Holy Scriptures as the inspired Word of God and the final guide for faith, morality, and conduct,” it stressed.
Conference delegates also emphasized that obedience to God’s Word remains the only path to spiritual renewal, moral reformation, and lasting national peace.
The Conference resolved that the Church must not only preach salvation but also exemplify honesty, humility, and compassion in leadership.
It charged pastors to build congregations that live out biblical values, confronting corruption and social decay through integrity and service.