NSCEA Responds to NSCIA’s Dismissal of Christian Genocide Claims

…. Calls for Truth and Accountability

The Nigerian Supreme Council for Ecclesiastical Affairs (NSCEA) has issued a strong rejoinder in response to recent statements by the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), which dismissed claims of Christian genocide in Nigeria and accused the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) of spreading propaganda.

In the rejoinder signed by Bishop Professor Funmilayo Adesanya-Davies, Secretary General of the NSCEA Elders’ Council, the council condemned the NSCIA’s position as “misleading” and “deeply insensitive” to the suffering of millions of Nigerian Christians.

“NSCEA has observed with deep concern the recent publication titled, ‘NSCIA dismisses Christian genocide claims in Nigeria, accuses CAN of spreading propaganda’,” the statement reads. “The NSCIA seeks to trivialize and deny the persistent and well-documented persecution, killings, and systemic marginalization of Christians across several regions of Nigeria.”

Credible Reports Affirm Christian Persecution

Contrary to the NSCIA’s claims, the NSCEA pointed to numerous reports from reputable international and domestic human rights organizations — including Amnesty International, Open Doors, Human Rights Watch, and the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) — which have consistently ranked Nigeria as one of the most dangerous places in the world for Christians.

“These are not propaganda reports. These are painful realities, backed by documented evidence of thousands of Christians murdered, churches burned, and entire communities destroyed, particularly in the Middle Belt and Northern regions,” the NSCEA stated.

The rejoinder emphasized that ignoring these atrocities or denying them amounts to “re-victimizing those who have already paid the price of faith with their blood.”

Commending International Advocacy

NSCEA also lauded U.S. lawmakers, particularly Senator Ted Cruz and others, for their vocal support in calling attention to Christian persecution in Nigeria.

“Their intervention is not interference; it is a call for justice, accountability, and humanity — values shared by all faith traditions,” NSCEA stated, referencing their earlier publication titled ‘NSCEA Hails U.S. Senators for Calling Out Christian Persecution in Nigeria’.

Dialogue, Not Denial

While reaffirming its commitment to interfaith harmony, peace, and national unity, the NSCEA called on the NSCIA to engage in constructive dialogue rather than resorting to blame and denial.

“Christians do not seek conflict; we seek protection, justice, and equality under the law. It is neither propaganda nor provocation to demand that the Nigerian government uphold the constitutional right of every citizen to life, safety, and freedom of worship,” said the NSCEA.

Quoting the Bible, the council stressed: “You shall know the truth, and the truth shall set you free” (John 8:32), calling for truth to guide national reconciliation efforts.

A National Wake-Up Call

The NSCEA urged Nigerian leaders across religious and political lines to acknowledge the realities on ground and confront them honestly.

“Nigeria stands at a moral crossroads. When one faith community is attacked and silenced, the entire nation’s humanity is diminished,” the council warned, while pledging continued collaboration with stakeholders — including NSCIA, CAN, and the international community — to safeguard religious freedom in Nigeria.

However, the NSCEA emphasized that such partnerships must be grounded in “truth, compassion, and accountability.”