By Samson Adeyanju
British Catholic politician Lord Alton of Liverpool has urgently called upon the U.K. government to address the persecution of Christians in Nigeria, specifically highlighting the Christmas attacks in Plateau State last year that claimed the lives of over 200 Christians. Lord Alton, a former Liberal and Liberal Democrat MP, appealed to the UK parliament to take decisive action against jihadist extremism, which, according to a report by the charity foundation Aid to the Church in Need, is fueling terrorist attacks across Nigeria.
Serving on Westminster’s Joint Committee on Human Rights, Lord Alton questioned the UK Minister of State for Climate, Environment, and Energy, Lord Benyon, and others in the House of Lords about the lack of justice for the recent killings in Plateau State. He emphasized the need for urgent identification and trial of the attackers, urging similar scrutiny for the 2022 Pentecost Sunday church massacre in Ondo State, where over 50 Christians lost their lives.
During a debate on January 11, Lord Alton shared the harrowing experience of survivors Dominic and Margaret Attah, who suffered from a jihadist bomb attack on St. Francis Catholic Church, Owo. Expressing concern over the prevailing culture of impunity, he questioned why no one had been held accountable for such atrocities. Additionally, Lord Alton raised the case of Leah Sharibu, a victim of abduction, rape, and forced conversion at the age of 14, emphasizing the urgent need for her release from captivity.
Rejecting the notion that climate change was a cause for the violence against Christians in Nigeria, Lord Alton addressed the absurd suggestion made by Michael D. Higgins, President of Ireland. He stressed that while climate change and aid cuts impact development, jihadist ideology should not be overlooked as a significant factor.
Highlighting the broader global impact of persecution and conflict, Lord Alton pointed out that these issues drive the displacement of 110 million people worldwide. He emphasized the destructive impact on lives and development, linking these challenges to the #RedWednesday initiative by Aid to the Church in Need, which sheds light on Christian persecution globally. In particular, #RedWednesday 2023 focused on escalating conflicts and persecution in Africa, underlining the critical need for international attention and action.
