By Frank Ulom
ABUJA (CONVERSEER) – Televangelist, Apostle Michael Olowookere, has alleged that Christians in Nigeria have been subjected to decades of systematic persecution, particularly in parts of northern Nigeria, describing anyone who denies this reality as “beyond foolish”.
Olowookere, the Lead Servant of Corban Christian Assembly in Wukari, Taraba State, made the remarks in a strongly worded statement issued on Sunday, 28 September 2025, drawing from his personal experiences growing up and serving in different parts of the country.
He said he was born in Kaduna, schooled in Jos, and currently ministers in Wukari, and has “witnessed first-hand” several violent incidents targeting Christians and churches over the years.
“For as long as I can remember, Christians have always suffered a certain fate in Nigeria. In Kaduna, whenever there’s any crisis, be it political, economic, social or religious, the church and Christians are the first victims. Churches and Christian settlements would be set on fire, regardless of what caused the crisis,” Olowookere said.
The televangelist recalled incidents in Kaduna during the Sharia crisis and other violent episodes where Christians were reportedly attacked, forced to recite passages of the Qur’an, and killed if they could not. He narrated that during one such attack, a mob attempted to burn his house, chanting anti-Christian slogans, and he survived only because they fought back.
According to him, during years of intense insecurity in Kaduna, churches had to adopt strict security measures to protect their congregations.
“Churches were bombed almost daily. We had to set barricades, stop members from bringing cars close to the church, and hire soldiers and police to secure services. Those who couldn’t afford security employed members to stand guard during services. I was part of that team in my church,” he said.
Olowookere also cited incidents in Plateau, Southern Kaduna, Gombe, Maiduguri and Benue, where communities and churches were attacked, and Christian faithful were killed, describing the situation as “genocidal attacks against Christians”.
He argued that while insecurity has now spread across the country, particularly through banditry and kidnapping—which he described as a “lucrative criminal enterprise”—the persecution of Christians remains prevalent.
“What you see in Zamfara, Katsina and other core northern states now is simply business. Banditry and kidnapping generate millions, and the government has condoned it. But if this had been tackled earlier, what would remain is what has always been — systematic annihilation of Christian faithful,” he asserted.
He also noted that insecurity in the South-East is largely state-sponsored or tied to secessionist agitations that have been hijacked by individuals with selfish interests.
The cleric called on Nigerians to speak out against insecurity nationwide, stressing that while everyone is now affected, targeted attacks on Christians and churches persist in many regions.
There have been calls by Nigerians and the International Community regarding alleged genocide against Christians by Muslim faithfuls in Nigeria.
However, a statement issued by the Presidency five days ago claimed there is no religious genocide in Nigeria.
According to the statement signed by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information & Strategy, the president said the allegations were unfounded and misleading, as citizens focus more on harmony and shared prosperity.
The President noted that Nigerians, after 65 years of Independence, had grown to appreciate religious and cultural differences and explore the advantages of diversity in terms of educational, economic, and other productive gains.
