A Nigerian bishop has criticized efforts to downplay religion as a key factor in violent attacks, highlighting the growing threat of “genocidal” violence in his country.
His remarks came during the launch of Aid to the Church in Need (ACN)’s 2025 Religious Freedom in the World report, which warns that more than 5.4 billion people worldwide could face persecution or discrimination due to their beliefs.
Bishop John Bakeni of Maiduguri Diocese spoke at an event held at the UK Parliament on 21 October, hosted by Brendan O’Hara MP.
While acknowledging that the causes of violence in Nigeria’s Middle Belt are complex—including poverty, climate change, and competition for land—Bishop Bakeni stressed the importance of recognizing religion as a significant factor.
“Whilst the conflict is not solely about religion, it is equally simplistic not to see the religious dimension as a significantly exacerbating factor, especially as churches, priests, and other symbols of Christianity are targeted with apparent impunity,” he said.
He described how militant Fulani herdsmen have repeatedly attacked Christian farming communities, often starting with churches. In June 2025, more than 270 people were killed in Yelewata, Benue State, when Fulani militants launched a brutal raid. Bishop Bakeni recounted: “The first place they attacked was the local Catholic church. A small police patrol held them off, but the militants then targeted the undefended town center.”
In Benue, Plateau, and Kaduna states, over 1,000 people have been killed in attacks that have taken on a genocidal character. In Maiduguri, Boko Haram has caused widespread destruction, damaging over 200 churches and displacing at least 1.8 million people in Borno State by 2017. Kidnappings, including the abduction of schoolgirls from Chibok and teenager Leah Sharibu, remain a stark reminder of the religious extremism fueling the violence.
“Climate change never kidnapped the Chibok girls, killed priests, or burned down churches,” Bishop Bakeni said, underscoring that religious motives play a central role in the attacks.
Alongside the report, ACN launched a global petition urging governments and international bodies to protect Article 18 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which guarantees freedom of thought, conscience, and religion.
The Religious Freedom in the World report, published biennially since 1999, documents persecution across 196 countries, affecting members of almost every faith, including Buddhists, Christians, Hindus, Jews, and Muslims.
Bishop Bakeni concluded: “In the face of persecution, we cannot remain silent. Let this gathering renew global attention to the suffering of Christians and other religious minorities. Hostilities must end, and protection must be guaranteed.”
