By Amos Aar
ARCHBISHOP Dr. Yimam Orkwar has strongly criticized the Nigerian government for its perceived inaction regarding the escalating insecurity in Benue State and other regions across the country.
Okwar described the situation as a national crisis that has spiralled beyond control and accused the government of lacking the political will to implement meaningful solutions.
Archbishop Orkwar, who serves as the President of the Christian Association of Clergies in Nigeria (C.A.C-Nig), made these remarks during the First Quarter Synod of the All Nations Evangelism Ministry, held on Saturday at Faith Cathedral, Makurdi.
The synod was conducted in conjunction with the International Communion for World Missions (ICWM) conference.
In a communiqué issued at the close of the synod, the Church condemned the federal government’s recent declaration of a national emergency on food security, labelling it as superficial and unaccompanied by genuine action.
The document emphasized that insecurity, particularly in agrarian states such as Benue and Plateau, is a major impediment to food production and national stability.
“The true test of food security lies in the safe return of displaced farmers to their ancestral homes and their ability to cultivate their lands without fear,” the communiqué stated.
It further asserted that the right to life and land ownership is inalienable and criticized government inaction in the face of violent attacks. “When a democratically elected government fails to defend its citizens against terrorism, it has effectively abdicated its responsibilities.”
The Church expressed support for Bishop Wilfred Chikpa Anagbe, the Catholic Bishop of Makurdi Diocese, commending his recent appearances before the United States Congress and the European Parliament, where he presented evidence of ongoing violence in Nigeria. “We commend Bishop Anagbe’s courage and fully support his efforts to advocate for justice and security on behalf of the Nigerian people,” the communiqué read.
Archbishop Orkwar referenced recent attacks in several parts of Benue State—including Gbagir, Saror, Tse Ahura in Ukum Local Government Area, as well as in Tarka, Buruku, Otobi (Otukpo), Agatu, Gwer West, and Makurdi LGAs—describing the situation as dire. “Benue is under siege,” he stated, while urging political, religious, and traditional leaders, civil society organizations, and youth groups to unite in addressing the ongoing violence.
Responding to questions from the press, Archbishop Orkwar asserted that the root cause of the persistent insecurity is a lack of political will at the highest levels of government. “The silence from government officials, including President Bola Tinubu, demonstrates a lack of resolve. The state has the capacity to end terrorism within three months if it chooses to act decisively,” he said.
He further cited the late General Sani Abacha’s controversial statement: “Any insurgency that lasts more than 24 hours has government backing,” noting his agreement with the sentiment in light of the ongoing violence.
Addressing recent controversies surrounding the number of farmers reportedly killed by suspected herders in Ukum LGA, Archbishop Orkwar stated, “We were attending the conference when the incident occurred, so I do not have confirmed figures at this time. However, any report stating only five fatalities is misleading. The true figure is significantly higher, and those minimizing it are promoting a political narrative.”
He also responded to unconfirmed reports regarding an alleged plan to arrest Bishop Anagbe following his international advocacy. “There are claims on social media suggesting that the U.S. Embassy in Nigeria has warned the federal government against arresting Bishop Anagbe. If true, such actions would appear to be aimed at suppressing the truth and avoiding international scrutiny of the persecution of Christians in Nigeria,” he said.
Archbishop Orkwar emphasized that the persecution of Christians is widespread throughout the country. “From north to south, east to west, Christians continue to face targeted attacks. The government possesses the resources to address the crisis but chooses inaction. This deliberate silence is a means of concealing the reality from the global community,” he asserted.
He added that, if given the opportunity to address the United Nations, he would reaffirm every point made by Bishop Anagbe. “Let them try to arrest Bishop Anagbe and see the reaction. Christians are not weak. We are fully aware of our rights and are prepared to defend them within legal and moral boundaries.”
Reaffirming his support, he declared, “Any threat to Bishop Anagbe is a threat to the Christian community across Nigeria. We are prepared to mobilize over 10,000 individuals for a peaceful demonstration. We stand firmly behind him.”
Concluding his remarks, Archbishop Orkwar called on Christians to remain vigilant and spiritually prepared, reminding the faithful of the significance of the resurrection of Jesus Christ and the hope of His imminent return.
