Genocide in Nigeria Is Real – Yet Not Faith-Exclusive,” Says PFN President Wale Oke – A Wake-Up Call for Unity and Action
In a timely and urgent address to the nation, Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) National President Bishop Wale Oke declared that genocide does exist in Nigeria—but emphatically emphasised that it is not only about Christians being targeted. His words, delivered amidst rising discourse around faith-based violence in Nigeria, carry implications for national security, religious harmony and governance.
In a recent interview published on 26 October 2025, Bishop Oke told the Punch newspaper:
> “Our position is that genocide exists, but it is not just about Christians. Our concern is that whether Muslim or Christian, stop the killing, that is our priority.”
He further emphasised that no Nigerian—Christian or Muslim—“deserves to die for any reason”.
The Context: A Nation under Siege – But Not Along Faith Lines Alone
Recent reports and analyses confirm a grim reality: Nigeria faces an escalating security crisis. Yet the narrative of “Christian genocide” has emerged as a contested lens for interpreting the violence.
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has challenged the portrayal of events solely as a Christian genocide, insisting that “terrorism and banditry affect all citizens regardless of faith.”
At the same time, the federal government, led by Bola Tinubu, has repeatedly denied that any religious group is under systematic extermination, affirming that “no faith is under siege.”
The PFN’s own statement bridges these perspectives: acknowledging genocide in Nigeria while rejecting the framing that it targets only Christians.
What emerges is a multifaceted crisis: climate-driven conflict between herders and farmers, insurgency, banditry, kidnappings and communal violence. Many analysts argue these are not purely religious wars but rather deeply rooted in land competition, governance failure and socio-economic marginalisation.
What Bishop Oke’s Statement Means – Multidimensional Implications
1. A Bold acknowledgement
By affirming the presence of genocide, Bishop Oke gives voice to the long-silenced perspective that Nigeria’s security challenges are systemic and deadly. Too often the term “genocide” has been reserved for foreign conflicts; his stance brings it into the national conversation.
2. A corrective to narrow narratives
His emphasis that the victims are both Muslims and Christians signals a repudiation of religious finger-pointing. It therefore broadens the discourse from “Christian genocide” to the more accurate “mass killings of Nigerians, regardless of faith”.
3. A call to governance and accountability
Oke’s declaration places responsibility squarely on the state: “Government exists for the welfare of its people … The government should stop the killings. No innocent Nigerian should lose his or her life for any reason.” This highlights the role of governance failures—weak institutions, lack of security, unaddressed root causes.
4. A national unity appeal
In a country fragmented by religion, ethnicity and region, the PFN leader’s inclusive phrasing resonates: “We don’t want Muslims to die, and we don’t want Christians to die.” The message is solidarity, not division.
A Closer Look At Key Dimensions
Security Oversight & Victimhood
While precise numbers are contested, there is consensus that thousands of Nigerians—Christians and Muslims—have been killed, displaced or traumatised in the past decade. The challenge: many of these incidents are framed as insurgency, banditry or communal conflict rather than religious persecution. Bishop Oke’s framing bridges that gap.
The Definition of “Genocide”
Legal scholars differentiate between “genocide” (requiring intent to destroy a group in whole or part) and “mass killings” (severe violence without specific intent). Some international commentators argue Nigeria’s violence meets the genocide definition. Others—including the Nigerian government—dispute that claim. Oke’s choice to use the term “genocide” while emphasising its non-religious exclusivity signals a nuanced position.
Religious Implications
For Christians, Oke’s statement reassures that their plight is recognised—but not isolated. For Muslims, it affirms that they too are victims and stakeholders. For the inter-faith landscape, it injects a unifying narrative that may reduce polarisation.
Governance & Root Causes
By calling on government to act and reflecting on welfare and security, Oke draws attention to systemic issues—not only perpetrators. The PFN’s role is thus expanded from spiritual mobilisation to socio-political advocacy.
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What Next? Strategic Content Angles for Your Blog
1. Detailed analysis of recent attacks: Pull in data on hotspots (Middle Belt, North-Central, North-West) and the faith/religion breakdown of victims.
2. Voices of the displaced: Feature testimonies from affected communities—Christian, Muslim and mixed.
3. Policy response mapping: What has the Nigerian government done? What are gaps? How can religious bodies assist?
4. Faith leadership role: Examine how PFN (and other bodies) are preparing for national healing and advocacy (the PFN 40th anniversary is timely).
5. Global dimension: Discuss the U.S. congressional interest (Christian genocide narrative) vs Nigeria’s own internal framing.
6. Call to collective action: Propose next steps—inter-faith forums, accountability mechanisms, community-based security initiatives.
Final Thought
Bishop Wale Oke’s statement is more than a headline—it is a clarion call. It recognises the severity of Nigeria’s bloodshed, rejects partiality of victimhood and places faith and governance at the heart of the solution. For your blog—particularly focusing on political development and social analysis in Nigeria—the statement offers a pivot point: from crisis framing to holistic communal healing and national renewal.
This is your moment to unpack the layers, engage readers with depth, and position yourself as a voice of informed insight. The keywords above will help drive traction; the nuanced approach will keep readers engaged.
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