Press Release

For Immediate Release: 19 January 2012

High Commission protest over gathering crisis

for Christians in northern and central Nigeria

Candle-lit peace vigil “a plea for unity” against Boko Haram atrocities

and rising militant Islam

A candle-lit vigil for peace outside the Nigerian High Commission in London tomorrow is planned to draw attention to the increasing attacks on and threats to Christians across the Sharia states of northern Nigeria and in central Nigeria.

London-based organisations the Overseas Fellowship of Nigerian Christians and Love Jos are holding the vigil outside the Nigerian High Commission at 9 Northumberland Avenue, London WC2N 5BX at 3.00pm on Friday 20^th January.

There has been growing hostility to the vulnerable Christian minority in northern Nigeria. Recently this has included the killing of church members and bombing of churches, and last week Islamist group Boko Haram gave Christians three days to leave the northern Sharia states “or they will be eliminated”. This threat followed the slaughter of six worshippers – including the Pastor’s wife - at the Deeper Life Christian Ministry Church in Bogo, Gombe State on 6^th January and other attacks.

Inviting UK-based Nigerians to join the vigil, Dr Albert Okoye of OFNC said “The Boko Haram attacks must be seen in the context of a wider phenomenon, which has exposed and exacerbated vulnerabilities entrenched in the Nigerian Polity. Part of the consequence has been the much publicised violence against Christian populations in some parts of Jos, Kaduna and other major northern Nigerian cities. There are now reports that Christians are fleeing their homes in the north for fear of further attacks. This situation is contrary to the stated aims of the Nigerian constitution to promote unity and against fundamental freedoms of worship and association, guaranteed in the constitution and international human rights legislation.

The action by the Overseas Fellowship of Nigerian Christians is designed to encourage Nigerian Christians and all those who want a peaceful Nigeria to pray for peace and work towards a country free of fear and conducive to unfaltering progress. Our objective has been immensely enhanced by the ‘knitting of hearts’ and remarkable support from leaders of Nigeria-led churches and Christian organisations in the UK.”

Pastor Fred Williams of Love Jos, who is former pastor of a church in Jos, Plateau State, which has been attacked by Islamic fundamentalists, said “These unprovoked attacks and killings have been going on for so long that it must be said here that many Christians living in North and Central Nigeria have wondered why so little has been done by other Nigerians at home and abroad to engage this alarming trend. The security and peace of our Nation is our collective responsibility. We all have to wake up and respond with creative solutions that will uphold Justice, sustain peace and restore hope in this wonderful nation of ours called Nigeria’’

The vigil will be followed by a Prayer Meeting for peace and unity in the great country of Nigeria, at Custom House Baptist Church, Prince Regents Lane, London E16 3JJ, starting at 7.30pm. Refreshments will be available afterwards.

(ENDS)

Notes for Editors:

(a) Images of the vigil will be available after the event. Call 07925 787843

(b) Queries: Dr Albert Okoye (Overseas Fellowship of Nigerian Christians)  07764492589  Pastor Fred Williams (Love Jos) 07825 787843 

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