…Call for urgent action on IDPs, almajiris, ex-B-Haram reintegration, forceful conversions.
by Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna
Leadership of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), of the 19 Northern States and Abuja, has raised serious concerns bordering on national security, religious freedom, and institutional discrimination.
These critical issues rose during a strategic interface meeting with the National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, in Abuja.
The high-level Advocacy Meeting, which held at the NSA’s complex in Abuja, had in attendance the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Mr. Adeola Oluwatosin Ajayi, and the Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), Ambassador Mohammed Mohammed.
A 14-point communiqué, signed by CAN Chairman 19 Northern States and Abuja, Rev. John Joseph Hayab, and Secretary-General, Bishop Mohammed Naga, commended the NSA’s openness, but warned that the ongoing spate of insecurity, marginalization, and systemic bias against Christians in the North could inflame tensions and derail the nation’s fragile peace.
The communiqué identified some inflammatory religious messages, particularly by some clerics, as major areas capable of igniting ethno-religious crises, calling for urgent sensitization and regulation of religious preaching across faiths.
CAN also decried the misuse of social media to spread falsehoods and inciting content, urging government to equip security agencies with digital tracking tools to identify and prosecute offenders.
The Christian body expressed grave concern over the increasing number of internally-displaced persons (IDPs), warning that failure to resettle and rehabilitate victims of violence risks entrenching a dangerous cycle of trauma and retribution.
They commended President Bola Tinubu for establishing the National Commission for Almajiris and Out-of-School Children, but urged that its mandate be expanded to include rehabilitation, conventional education, and adoption initiatives.
On the reintegration of ex-Boko Haram militants, CAN said current processes are flawed, noting that some reintegrated fighters have turned to threats in host communities. The group insisted on robust de-radicalization protocols before reintegration.
Equally worrisome, CAN alleged denial of access to land for building churches, discrimination in appointments, admissions into tertiary institutions, and forceful conversions of under-age Christian girls under the guise of ‘marriage.’
These acts, the leaders warned, are eroding national trust and violating constitutional guaranteeing of freedom of religion and association.
They called on the federal government to investigate and address these violations, warning that silence or inaction could escalate religious tensions.
To foster enduring peace, the Christian leaders proposed the establishment of a North-wide interfaith Stakeholders’ Forum, involving respected Muslim and Christian leaders to jointly develop strategies – for peaceful coexistence.
CAN also recommended increased sensitization of youths on drug abuse, substance abuse and the role of religious institutions in security cooperation.
Despite the weighty issues raised, the CAN leadership expressed deep appreciation to the NSA and his team for the opportunity to present their concerns, and pledged continued cooperation with security agencies in pursuit of national stability.
“We consider this engagement as a bold step towards securing the nation through open, honest, and inclusive dialogue,” the communiqué stated.
“The interaction is seen as part of the NSA’s broader peace-building initiative to consult critical stakeholders across the federation amid growing security threats and socio-religious fault lines,” they stated.