Nigeria’s Peace Lies in Unity, Not Division – NCPC Boss
The Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission (NCPC), Bishop Prof. Stephen Adegbite, has called on Nigerians to uphold unity and mutual understanding as the foundation for lasting peace and national progress.
Speaking during a press briefing on national issues at the NCPC Corporate Headquarters in Abuja, Bishop Adegbite stressed that Nigeria’s peace cannot be achieved through divisive narratives or religious antagonism.
The NCPC boss was reacting to recent remarks by former U.S. President Donald Trump, who alleged a “Christian genocide” in Nigeria and hinted at possible foreign military intervention.
“While we appreciate global concern for the welfare of Christians, we must clarify that the security challenges confronting Nigeria should not be misconstrued as a religious war,” Bishop Adegbite said. “It is a national security crisis driven by terrorism, banditry, and criminality that have affected citizens of all faiths.”
Citing reports from the Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project (ACLED) and the Observatory of Religious Freedom in Africa (ORFA), he noted that between 2020 and 2025, more than 20,000 civilians—both Christians and Muslims—lost their lives in various violent conflicts across the country.
“These figures show that Nigeria’s challenge is not genocide against a particular religion but a multifaceted security emergency,” he explained.
Bishop Adegbite commended the Federal and State Governments for their sustained efforts in combating insurgency and restoring stability, noting that substantial progress has been recorded in recent years.
“The government has never sanctioned violence against any faith group,” he emphasized. “What Nigeria needs from the international community is partnership, intelligence sharing, counterterrorism training, and humanitarian assistance — not threats of military intervention.”
He cautioned that any foreign military action could destabilize the entire West African sub-region, potentially triggering widespread humanitarian and economic crises.
“Nigeria is a complex, multi-ethnic democracy with over 220 million citizens and more than 250 ethnic nationalities,” the NCPC Executive Secretary stated. “What we need is cooperation and solidarity, not coercion or divisive rhetoric.”
Bishop Adegbite also praised the ongoing collaboration between Christian and Muslim leaders under the Nigeria Inter-Religious Council (NIREC), describing it as a critical platform for fostering peace and dialogue.
“We, as religious leaders, stand united against violence,” he said. “Our calling is to heal, not to divide — to build bridges, not walls.”
He concluded by reaffirming that Nigeria’s struggle is not a clash of religions but a collective fight against terror and insecurity.
“The battle is not Christians versus Muslims; it is Nigerians versus terror,” he declared. “Our nation’s strength lies in our shared humanity, faith, and hope for a peaceful future.”
Bishop Adegbite urged the media, international observers, and advocacy groups to rely on verified facts and support initiatives that promote healing, justice, and national reconciliation.
