CAN COMMITTEE RAISES CONCERNS OVER INSECURITY IN NIGER STATE

The Christian Statistics Committee of the Christian Association of Nigeria in Niger State has raised concerns over the impact of insecurity on Christian communities in parts of the state.

The committee alleged that repeated attacks in several predominantly Christian local government areas had resulted in deaths and displacement, which it said had affected the population of Christian communities.

Its chairman, Marcus Salka, made the claims in a statement while addressing what he described as inaccurate figures about the Christian population in Niger State.

Salka said data from the Niger State Bureau of Statistics put the Christian population at 45.7 per cent, disputing claims that Christians make up a smaller proportion of the state’s population.

He identified Shiroro, Munya, Paikoro, Rafi, Wushishi and Magama among areas where the committee said insecurity had affected Christian communities.

According to him, many residents had either been killed or forced to relocate because of persistent attacks.

The committee said its position was aimed at correcting what it described as misleading demographic claims and ensuring that the population of Christians in the state was properly represented in public discussions.

The allegations could not independently establish the motives behind the attacks, and the claims about a deliberate depopulation strategy remain those of the committee.