Ayatse, Enenche Rally Christians for Peace, Unity and Action

More than 500 Northern traditional rulers and church leaders, under the umbrella of the Northern Christian Stakeholders, have gathered in Abuja to seek divine intervention over the persistent security challenges confronting Northern Nigeria.

The new Chairman of the Christian Northern Traditional Rulers and Tor Tiv, James Ayatse, made the call at the opening of the Northern Christian Stakeholders Assembly, urging Nigerians to work together in moving the country forward. He stressed the need for peace and national unity, saying all citizens must stand together against extremists responsible for creating division and insecurity across the country.
Ayatse maintained that no foreign nation would solve Nigeria’s problems, emphasizing that Northern Christians must adopt strategic approaches in confronting those working against the spread of the gospel. He also urged the government to ensure that all ethnic groups in the North are adequately represented in decision-making processes.
The traditional ruler assured participants that the Forum of Christian Northern Traditional Rulers would collaborate with other groups, including religious institutions, to promote freedom of religion and association throughout the region.
In his opening remarks, the Senior Pastor of Dunamis International Gospel Centre, Dr. Paul Enenche, expressed concern over the persistent attacks that have prevented Christians from freely gathering to worship across the 19 Northern states. Describing the situation as unacceptable, he called on Christians to unite and present a strong front in defending and promoting Christianity in Northern Nigeria.
Dr. Enenche also encouraged Christians to provide humanitarian support to affected communities and work in a coordinated manner with security agencies in the fight against insurgency.
Leading a session of prayers, Apostle Nuhu Kure urged participants to embrace dialogue with government, other religious bodies and traditional institutions as part of efforts to address the security challenges. He encouraged Christian leaders not to be discouraged in spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ, expressing confidence that God would continue to strengthen and sustain them.
Convener of the Assembly and Programme Coordinator of the Stefanos Foundation, Mr. Mark Lipdo, lamented that kidnappings, killings and the displacement of Christians had become widespread across Northern Nigeria. He disclosed that the foundation had officially notified the international community about the activities of terrorists in the region.
Lipdo pledged that the foundation would continue providing relief materials to victims, particularly those in internally displaced persons’ camps, while also offering counselling and other forms of support to people affected by the violence.
At the end of the meeting, the Assembly resolved that Northern Christians must not allow political differences to weaken their collective efforts against extremism. Participants also appealed to Christians and traditional leaders to mobilize their followers for active participation in Nigeria’s electoral process to strengthen their voice in governance.