Fr. Richard OMOLADE

At its infancy, Christianity suffered greatly. Christians were persecuted, but what was meant to annihilate the Christian faith became a catalyst for the spread of the faith. Acts of the Apostles was quite clear on this that due to the persecution that arose, Christians became scattered throughout the region. Wherever they went, they took the Gospel with them, not as a piece of jewelry, but as their most precious treasure. The Christian faith shaped their daily life, influenced their interactions with non-believers and molded their behaviours. The result was that after some years, the Christian faith became unstoppable, a force to be reckoned with and a powerful force that has shaped the course of history.

Nigeria Christians are currently being subjected to persecution, no matter what is said in official circles. That Bandits and Islamic fundamentalists want their views to prevail and are ready to kill bears eloquent testimony to the ever-present danger of religious persecution. In an ideal situation, we would look towards the government for redress, but not in Nigeria where there has been obvious bias in favour of Islamic religion. 

Yes, all Muslims are not categorized as bad or violent or to be seen as bandits, but there is something inherently conducive to the preponderance of violence that bandits and fundamentalists have displayed that would not allow rational discourse to excuse the Islamic faith from being an harbinger of violence and carnage.  While many Muslims around us may be moderate, that is why the fundamentalists do not take them seriously, they need to dissociate themselves from the persecution and evil being perpetrated in the name of their religion. We cannot exonerate Islam, if Bandits and kidnappers ask for concessions in the name of Islam and those who are well placed among Muslims in society feel this is a legitimate bargaining scheme. Since, actions and beliefs are difficult to judge, we must also focus on ourselves and design safe passage through life for ourselves. What then is the way forward?

Christians must be well grounded in their faith. They must live out the demands of the faith and show that they are not going to be bought at any cost. Christians must allow their faith to shape their life and interaction with others, especially those of other faiths. Yes, it is true that Christianity calls us to a life of love, and peace, forgiveness and tolerance, but it does not require us to be stupid or irrational. Christianity does not permit us to live in fear or display arrogance against others. We must defend our faith and value even to the point of death. Unless Muslims are going to live in their own enclave, they cannot be granted future law concessions. Laws that are able to order relationship and conduct in society mut be applicable to all, if it is meant only for some, then the foundation for anarchy is already laid. Hence the secularity of the society in a secular state must be protected at all cost.

Furthermore, since the government has not been able to protect the lives and property of citizens, citizens themselves must devise alternative system of defense. Neighbourhood vigilante groups must be strengthened and properly equipped to ensure security.  Communities must be manned at all times and every person entering subjected to thorough search. The restriction on Okada within a specific time frame of N10.30pm to 5.30am is not good enough. It should be from 9pm to 6am and bikers must not carry more than one person. Before Okada came, we moved around. It is easier to monitor vehicles than Okada. It is easier to immobilize vehicles than Okada. We must ensure that culprits do not have easy escape. Border towns need better protection, and the security apparatus of the State must be distributed to meet this need. Living in fear is detrimental to the flourishing of life and mental health, hence factors and conditions likely to negatively impact people’s health must be removed. This much the government owe the people.

Having said this, Christians must prepare for heroic living and witnessing. If we fear to die, then die we will.  We cannot fear to die and live well.  If we are no longer afraid of dying, then we would have embraced the fullness of life and our enemies will become afraid of us and even when our blood soaks the earth, the enemies will know it is a land that they cannot thread upon in peace, it will suck them and consume them. It is not for nothing that the ancient remind us that the “Blood of martyrs is the seed of Christianity.”

For far too long we have lived in fear, hoping and praying it does not get close to us. Now that persecution, kidnapping, and killings are all around us, people who are afraid cannot defeat evil. This is the time for courage to prevail, the time has come for us to live with the certainty that death is not the enemy, but our fear of truly living. Remember, “Unless a grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains a single grain, but if it dies, it bears much fruit.” (John 12:24).