Christian youths under the banner of the Concerned Christian Youth Forum (CCYF) have called for an end to what they described as “deliberate, well-funded attacks” against Christianity and its leaders.
In a statement issued by the convener of the group, James Paul Adama, the CCYF decried “a growing and dangerous trend of sponsored assaults on the Christian faith,” warning that such actions risk igniting religious tensions in the country if not urgently addressed.
“Christianity and our religious leaders are being targeted, our faith is being disrespected, and our values are being undermined, not just randomly, but in an orchestrated, well-financed manner,” Adama said.
The group said it has concluded plans to stage a peaceful protest in Abuja on May 21 in response to these attacks.
According to the group, beyond defending their faith, the protest also aims to draw government attention to the increasing wave of killings and insecurity across the country.
“We can no longer stay silent while blood is being shed and our faith is mocked. We are calling on the Nigerian Government to take immediate and decisive steps to stop these senseless killings and protect religious freedom.
“This distressing situation has been exacerbated by the fact that Christianity and Christian Leaders are being deliberately targeted, Our beliefs and traditions disrespected, and Our faith undermined by Omoyele Sowere and His collaborators that are receiving financial support for the sole purpose of sparking religious conflict.
“We are also using this protest to call the attention of the Government to the alarming rise in killings and bloodshed across the country with a demand for the Government to do everything possible to end this senseless killings,” the statement added.