Olusegun Adeyemo
The Presiding Bishop of Victory International Church, Rehoboth Cathedral, Ibadan, Bishop Taiwo Adelakun, has cautioned Nigerians against interpreting the country’s security challenges through religious lenses, warning that doing so could escalate into an unnecessary religious crisis.
Bishop Adelakun made the appeal during an exclusive interview with The Journal Nigeria where he addressed ongoing debates surrounding recent claims by the United States Government alleging possible acts of genocide targeting Christians in parts of Nigeria.
The cleric noted that banditry and kidnapping have affected Nigerians across all faiths and ethnic backgrounds, saying insecurity in the country does not discriminate between Christians and Muslims.
“If we look at banditry and kidnapping, they don’t ask if you are a Christian or a Muslim. We should not allow this to result in a religious conflict,” he stated.
Bishop Adelakun further observed that while attacks in states like Benue, Jos, and Plateau have predominantly affected Christians, regions such as Borno, Yobe, Sokoto, and Zamfara — with large Muslim populations — have also suffered similar violence.
“Honestly, some Muslims have suffered in the hands of bandits and Boko Haram more than anyone else,” he added. “We need a balanced view of the situation and avoid conclusions that could divide the country.”
The Bishop emphasized that both Christians and Muslims have been victims of killings and displacement, urging religious leaders and the media to avoid sensational reporting that could deepen mistrust.
Bishop Adelakun urged Nigerians to work together for peace and national unity, noting that insecurity must be treated as a national problem, not a religious one.
His remarks came shortly after the Nigerian Senate set up a 12-member ad-hoc committee to examine and respond to international concerns over alleged state-backed persecution of Christians in Nigeria.
Lawmakers reportedly reached the decision during a closed-door session, following the U.S. government’s recent report suggesting possible acts of religiously motivated violence in some regions.