NSCEA hails PM Benjamin Netanyahu’s call for an immediate end to attacks on Christians

The Nigerian Supreme Council for Ecclesiastical Affairs (NSCEA), one of the apex bodies representing the collective voice of Christian churches and organisations across Nigeria, wholeheartedly commends His Excellency Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of the State of Israel for his unequivocal and forceful declaration that the violence, persecution, displacement, and attacks against Christians in Nigeria “must end now.”

In a powerful Christmas message delivered from Jerusalem, “Prime Minister Netanyahu issued a clarion call against religious persecution in all its forms and specifically highlighted the grave situation facing Christian communities in Nigeria.” His statement emphasized that “the persecution of Christians or members of any religion cannot and must not be tolerated,” and that violence targeting Christians in Nigeria must be brought to an immediate end.

The NSCEA welcomes this bold international declaration of solidarity with Nigerian Christians and affirms its alignment with the Prime Minister’s position that no faith community should ever be subjected to intimidation, terror, or violence for the peaceful exercise of its religious convictions. The Council notes with gratitude that His Excellency’s message not only extended Christmastide greetings to Christians around the world but forcefully reminded the global community that religious freedom is a universal human right deserving of protection.

A Time for Global Moral Leadership:
The NSCEA underscores that Prime Minister Netanyahu’s intervention comes at a crucial moment when millions of Nigerian Christians and their families continue to endure the devastating consequences of sustained militant attacks, forced displacement, church burnings, brutal killings, and widespread insecurity in many parts of the country. Although the Nigerian context is complex, with multiple factors driving insecurity, the Council recognises the moral weight of international condemnation when faith communities are specifically targeted.

We hold that Mr. Netanyahu’s remarks — delivered from the cradle of the Christian faith — serve as an important moral beacon for all nations. His insistence that violence against Christians in Nigeria cannot be tolerated and must cease immediately gives hope to families who have lost loved ones, to communities struggling to survive, and to believers who continue to worship courageously in the face of danger.

Solidarity With the Nigerian Church:
On behalf of the NSCEA and all its member bodies, we express profound appreciation to Prime Minister Netanyahu for:
Raising global awareness about the plight of Christians facing violence and instability in Nigeria;
Standing with the oppressed and marginalised in a time of grave peril; Reaffirming the sanctity of religious freedom as a fundamental human right; and
Leveraging his platform to call for justice, peace, and the immediate end of attacks against Christians.

The NSCEA affirms that this moment of international attention should inspire greater collaboration between faith leaders, national authorities, regional partners, and global allies to address the root causes of violence against all innocent Nigerians, regardless of faith. We believe that the protection of religious freedom is both a sacred and civic duty of governments and civil society alike.

A Call to National and International Action
While the NSCEA remains committed to praying without ceasing for peace in Nigeria, we also call upon:
The Government of Nigeria to accelerate and deepen efforts to protect all citizens, especially vulnerable religious communities, through decisive security strategies, justice for victims, and accountability for perpetrators;
International partners and religious freedom advocates to support sustainable peace initiatives, humanitarian assistance, and robust dialogue on religious tolerance; and
All Nigerians to embrace unity, reject divisive hatred, and work collaboratively to build a future where no family lives in fear because of their faith.

Conclusion
In closing, the Nigerian Supreme Council for Ecclesiastical Affairs reiterates its gratitude to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for his courageous and prophetic appeal. His message resonates profoundly with the aspirations of millions of Christians in Nigeria who yearn for peace, protection, and the unencumbered right to worship in safety and dignity.

May the spirit of Christmas inspire renewed commitment to justice and peace. May violence cease, and may all Nigerian families finally experience the security and freedom they richly deserve.

Signed:
Bishop Professor Funmilayo Adesanya-Davies
Secretary Elders’ Council
Nigeria Supreme Council for Ecclesiastical Affairs (NSCEA)
Abuja, Nigeria