Nigeria: Christian organization plans nationwide sit-ins May 6

Event

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) is calling for Christians across the country to stage sit-ins at places of worship on Sunday, May 6, to denounce recent violence against the Christian community. Members of the Christian community have accused the government of failing to prevent attacks by herdsmen and claim that security forces have been complicit in some incidents. While the demonstrations are expected to remain peaceful, there is the risk that the protesters could be specifically targeted in similar attacks. Further attacks against Christians are also possible in the coming weeks.

Context

CAN organized similar peaceful demonstrations nationwide on April 29. The group called for protests after 19 people, including two priests, were killed by suspected herdsmen in Benue state on April 24. The attack reportedly took place at a church in Ayar-Mbalom (Gwer East local government area); according to local officials, the gunmen also set some 50 houses ablaze and looted buildings in the community.

Intercommunal clashes are common in Nigeria. Central Nigeria has become the scene of almost daily clashes between farmers and the largely nomadic herders in a battle for land and resources. The US Commission on International Religious Freedom recently reported that murder rates linked to ethnic violence in Nigeria are higher than those related to terrorism, also a major security concern in the country.

Advice

Individuals in Nigeria are advised to remain vigilant and avoid all protests as a precaution.

The security environment in Nigeria is complex and particularly poor in the northeast and extreme south of the country due to the presence of armed groups, high crime rates, and the risk of kidnapping. Some Western governments consequently advise against travel to certain areas of the northeast (e.g. states of Borno, Yobe, Gombe, Bauchi, and Jigawa as well as parts of Kano and Adamawa states) and the southern Niger Delta region (e.g. states of Delta, Bayelsa, Akwa Ibom, and Rivers). Professional security advice and support should be sought prior to travel to these areas.