Amid Islamist rampage, Nigerian archbishop urges peace

July 28, 2009

The Islamist group Boko Haram, also known as the “Nigerian Taliban,” has launched attacks on police stations and churches in four northern and central Nigerian states, leaving 100 dead. In Maiduguri, capital of Borno State-- Nigeria’s northeasternmost state-- five Christian churches were destroyed, and a Protestant pastor was killed.

Nnambi Obasi, senior Nigeria analyst with the International Crisis Group, told Vatican Radio that the conflict is not between Muslims and Christians per se. Rather, groups like Boko Haram oppose the Nigerian secular state and wish to impose a “purer” Islam in its place. The nation of 146 million is 50% Muslim and 40% Christian, and nearly 40% of Nigerian Christians are Catholic. “We have suffered untold hardships caused by political, ethnic and religious crises, and these bring the North always backward by many years,” said Archbishop Ignatius Ayau Kaigama of Jos. “The traditional leaders together with us the religious leaders, will team up with the government in order to ensure that our people are enlightened about the need to stay in peace … When we see our leaders together, both Muslims and Christians interacting, sharing and finding ways for permanent peace, the people are also inspired and encouraged.”

 

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Further information:

• 100 killed in battle with Nigeria Islamists: reports (AFP)
• Nigeria Clashes Continue in North (Vatican Radio)
• Nigeria: Islamist Militia Launches Attacks In Four Nigerian States (Christian Solidarity Worldwide)
• Ethno-religious crisis retrogressive — Cleric (Lagos Vanguard)