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22 February 2006

Anglican leader warns of reprisals over torching of Nigeria churches

Obed Minchakpu
Maiduguri, Nigeria (ENI). Nigerian Christian leaders have denounced the killing of at least 51 Christians and the destruction of more than 31 churches in the north of the country during protests by Muslims incensed over the publication of cartoons of the Prophet Muhammad in Western media.

The attacks began on 18 February in the cities of Maiduguri and Katsina and spread to Bauchi two days later and then to Gombe on 22 February with churches as the first targets. But mosques were burned down when Christians retaliated, and church leaders warned more could follow.

The president of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Anglican Archbishop Peter Jasper Akinola, in condemning the attacks on Christians, warned that retaliations seemed inevitable. The attacks followed the publication first in Denmark, then in other countries, of caricatures of Muhammad that triggered violent protests in some parts of the world.

"We have for a long time now watched helplessly the killing, maiming and destruction of Christians and their property by Muslim fanatics and fundamentalists at the slightest or no provocation at all," said Akinola in Nnewi, in southeastern Nigeria. "We are not unaware of the fact that these religious extremists have the full backup and support of some influential Muslims who are yet to appreciate the value of peaceful co-existence."

He noted, "Nigeria belongs to all of us - Christians, Muslims and members of other faiths. No amount of intimidation can change this time-honoured arrangement in this nation. CAN may no longer be able to contain our restive youths should this ugly trend continue."

Akinola, Nigeria's Anglican leader, said the fact that "an incident in far away Denmark, which does not claim to be representing Christianity could elicit such unfortunate reaction here in Nigeria, leading to the destruction of Christian churches, is not only embarrassing, but also disturbing and unfortunate".

He said it was clear to him that the sacrifices of Christians in Nigeria seeking peaceful co-existence with Muslims had been misunderstood.

"It is no longer a hidden fact that a long-standing agenda to make Nigeria an Islamic nation is being surreptitiously pursued," he observed. "The willingness of Muslims to descend with violence on innocent Christians from time to time is to all intents and purposes a design to actualise their dream."

About 50 per cent of Nigeria's 129 million people are Muslims, while 40 per cent are Christians.

© 1994 - 2006 Ecumenical News International.

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