Attacks On Churches: Only The Truth Will Set Us Free – By Ayo Oyoze Baje

“They will put you out of the synagogue; in fact, the time is coming when anyone who kills you will think they are offering a service to God.”

-John 16:2 ►(New International Version )

According to ‘Open Doors World Wide List 2026’ Nigeria accounts for a staggering 72 percent of the global total number of Christians killed.in 2025 with a fear-fuelling figure of 3,490 voiceless victims. In addition,

the number of Christians arrested for their faith remains almost unchanged (4,712 compared to 4,744 in 2024), while the number of Christians kidnapped is down (3,302 versus 3,775 in 2024). Attacks against churches also decreased (from 7,679 to 3,632), as did attacks against homes or shops (from 28,368 to 25,794).

Expressing concern, the director of Open Doors pointed to sub-Saharan Africa as the “special observation” area of the Watch List 2026. That is due in particular to the presence of what he calks “fragile governments” that leave Christians exposed to violence.

“The center of gravity of Christianity has shifted to Africa, but it is there that it is primarily under attack,” said Mr. Nani, speaking of the continent where about one-eighth of the world’s Christian population lives.

Painfully, the recent attacks by terrorists on churches in parts of Kogi and Kaduna states after that of Kwara state

raise serious concern about the “,Christian Genocide” descripition of the country. Recent media reports revealed  that ECWA church located in Aiyetoro, Kogi state was attacked on Sunday, December 14, 2025, when armed men on motorcycles attacked Ayetoro-Kiri community in Kabba/Bunu LGA of Kogi State,. They  abducted at least 30 residents, mostly children and elderly worshippers The attackers stormed homes and churches before fleeing through nearby forests.

As for that of Kaduna state, according to the police report, information was received at about 5:45 pm on Sunday, January 18, 2026 indicating that the assailants struck earlier at about 11:25 am.Unspecified number of bandits armed with sophisticated weapons attacked ECWA Church and Cherubim Serafim Church 2 at Kurmin Wali in Kajuru LGA of Kaduna state. They repirtedly abducted 177 people triggering anxiety, anguish and preventable pains of the defenceless people.

The DPO mobilised other sister security agencies and the military to the scene which cannot be accessed immediately due to bad road. As concerted effort has been intensified in collaboration with all stakeholders to rescue the victims and possibly arrest the perpetrators. Investigation has commenced but the all-important qyestions remain unanswered.

For instance, how do we explain the disturbing fact that most of the churches are not protected by the poluce or other security forces? Why has it been so difficult to identify those arming the terrorists and bring them to speedy justice? Why are even those listed as sponsors of terrorism in Nigeria treated as “untouchables”? Why has it become some rocket science for the police  to mop up arms proliferation in the country? And why should the noxious ideas of giving amnesty to the so called “repentant” terrorists as well as some top government offivials openly negotiating with the fully armed bandits? But there are more worrisome perspecrives to the government’s approach to fighting terrorism in the country.

One of such is the recurring failure of the security personnel to use hi- tech equipment available to them to identify the hideouts of the bandits and strike at them before they could embark on their mindless mission of wasting the lives of several innocent Nigerians. The report of attempts made by the Kaduna police to bar the victims from using their phones to record relevant photos or access their relatives is most nauseating!

 And what do we make of the current administration allegedly paying a humongous sum of $9 million to United State lobbyist to assist in removing Nigeria from the “Christian Genocide” description. Concerned Nigerians are asking if that is not a misplaced priority? Could that amount not have been better chanelled to training and arming our security personnel to prevent the genocide from taking place?

As events unfold in the days ahead the lives of ordinary citizens-both Christians and Muslims- must be protected from further harm because the guarantee of security remains one of the primary duties of people in political authoroty. That is according to Section 14 (2) ,(b) of the 1999 constitution as amended.

Though the level of religious intolerance has hightened to the point of ISIS threatening Nigerian Christians to either convert to Islam or be ready to die, it should be noted one’s religion is by conviction and choice, rather than by force or fiat. Muslim leaders should therefore,, caution the worshippers against religious radicalism and extremism. Enough of the bloodshed of defenceless and innocent Nigerians all because of differences in our faith.

In fact, the Christians should stand firm in their faith and reflect on

Ephesians 6:10-18 ESV / 12 . it aptly states that.

“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. 

“Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.

” For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.

” Therefore, take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm.

” Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness”.

.Once again, yours truly hereby canvasses  for religious harmony with mutual understanding, respect and love which both Jesus, the Christ and Prophet Muhammed  not only preached to the worshippers of the same God but amply demonstrated through their exemplary lifestyles.

The all-important question each and everyone of us should ask him/herself is this: “What will I tell my all-knowing Maker on the Judgement Day”?. And that is because, whether we

like it not, only the Truth will set us free!

• Baje is a columnist with YES INTERNATIONAL! Magazine