PFN Decries ‘Christian Genocide’

The Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) has issued a powerful and chilling alarm, asserting that the country is currently enduring an “ongoing Christian genocide.” This deeply concerning declaration was made by the PFN National President, Bishop Wale Oke, during a commemorative dinner marking the Fellowship’s 40th anniversary, where he sharply condemned what he described as the systematic killing, sexual violence, and forced displacement targeting Christians across various regions of the nation. The Bishop’s statement marks a significant escalation in rhetoric from one of Nigeria’s largest Christian blocs, signalling a clear and forceful withdrawal of the community’s willingness to remain silent in the face of persistent, religiously motivated assaults.

Bishop Oke’s speech was not merely an expression of grief but a direct challenge to the Federal Government, urging it to move beyond rhetoric and take “decisive action to halt the violence.” He positioned the Pentecostal community not as a detached observer but as a deeply committed national stakeholder, highlighting the immense spiritual contribution his members make to the country’s stability. “Our members, in their millions, intercede for this nation every single day,” he stated, emphasizing the continuous cycle of fasting and prayer conducted in homes, churches, and assemblies for Nigeria’s peace and prosperity. The Bishop underscored the pervasive influence of the PFN, declaring, “Pentecostals are everywhere, in every ward, local government, and state, shining as the light of the world and contributing to national development.” While acknowledging the community’s spiritual power as their “greatest weapon,” his call for governmental action made it clear that faith alone cannot serve as a shield against physical violence.

The solemn anniversary dinner, though dominated by this critical warning, also served as a moment for the nation’s highest political figures to engage with the religious leadership. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, along with his wife, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, and Vice President Kashim Shettima, all paid tribute to the PFN. Their presence and commendations were intended to acknowledge the Fellowship’s profound influence on national stability and their sustained commitment to prayer.

Speaking on behalf of the President, Dr. Daniel Bwala, Special Adviser on Policy Communication, delivered the administration’s official response to the crisis. Dr. Bwala did not dismiss the PFN’s concerns but rather acknowledged the severe difficulties facing certain faith communities. “My administration recognizes that there are communities in Nigeria that, because of their faith, have faced serious difficulties,” he stated, offering a measured admission of the problem. He went on to concede, “We acknowledge the challenges, and we recognize that Christians have also been victims of violence. The loss of any life is regrettable.” This measured acknowledgment is a tacit recognition that religious identity has indeed been a factor in the violence plaguing parts of the country.

The administration’s representative, while avoiding the term “genocide,” affirmed the government’s commitment to protecting all its citizens. Dr. Bwala concluded his address by urging Nigerians to “remain prayerful,” reiterating the assurance that the government is fully committed to ensuring the safety of all citizens, irrespective of their creed or community. This appeal for continued prayer, however, is likely to be viewed critically by those who feel that spiritual efforts must be matched by immediate, tangible security measures and judicial accountability.

The PFN’s use of the term “genocide” is a deliberate and powerful political move. By invoking such a grave descriptor, Bishop Oke is seeking to internationalize the issue and compel a stronger intervention from both the domestic and global community. The data points cited—systematic killing, rape, and displacement—align with documented attacks across the Middle Belt and parts of the North, where farming communities, often predominantly Christian, have faced repeated massacres and land expropriation. The severity of the accusation demands more than just recognition; it calls for a comprehensive, military, and policy response to protect vulnerable populations and dismantle the networks perpetrating these atrocities. The dialogue between the PFN and the Presidency highlights the fundamental tension in Nigeria: the government’s plea for patience and prayer versus the religious community’s demand for immediate, decisive protection from targeted violence. The administration’s challenge now is to demonstrate through action that its commitment to citizen safety is robust enough to silence the charge that a genocide is unfolding on its watch.