Release International
NIGERIA: MILITANTS WARN 'NOT ONE CHRISTIAN WILL SURVIVE' |
| Nov 02 2007 |
Such threats are part of a continuing campaign of intimidation by extremists identifying with the causes of the Taliban and Al-Qaeda. Even if the link is only ideological, the violence is real enough. Nigerian government figures say more than 50,000 have died in religious fighting in Plateau State alone, where militants have been trying to drive out Christians to pave the way for Islamic law.
Release International (RI) serves the persecuted church in 30 nations, including Nigeria. RI's contact on the ground has received reports that two loads of ammunition ferried in pick-up trucks has been stockpiled in a house on the border of Plateau and Nasarawa States.
RI has also been informed that militants, calling themselves the Taliban, have been seen carrying out shooting practice in Plateau State and firing guns in woodland on the border between Plateau and Kaduna States.
RI's contact, who cannot be named for his own protection, warns: 'We are at risk of another attack with every passing day.'
In a deliberate attempt to increase fear and tension, letters have been posted in churches by the so-called Taliban. Written in Hausa, one letter warns: 'What happened in 2001 September is about to happen again. This fight no-one can stop. [it] will be the fight to the finish - this fight is war.'
The group says it intends to target the headquarters of the Church of Christ in Nigeria (COCIN) in Jos, Plateau State, and continues: 'Not one Christian will survive'. Another threatening letter has been signed in the name of Osama Bin Laden 'a move calculated to ratchet up fear. It warns that militants 'will kill only Christians'.
RI's contact says Islamist groups are also applying political pressure on the government of Nigeria to forge stronger links with Islamic institutions. 'All these are moves to Islamise this country,' he says. 'We are calling on all brethren to keep watching and praying with us, as our situation continues to be unsafe.'
Release International's Chief Executive, Eddie Lyle, says: 'We continue to be deeply concerned for the safety of Christians in Nigeria. Militants and foreign mercenaries are using terror tactics to systematically drive out Christians.'
Earlier this year militants torched the houses of Christians in Plateau State and tried to prevent Christians returning to their homes after previous violence. Their aim is to Islamise every State in Northern Nigeria. So far 12 of Nigeria's 37 states have adopted Sharia law.
'Islamist militants want to change the balance of the population so they can impose radical Islamic law,' says Eddie Lyle. 'If they succeed they will divide the country and impose a religious apartheid between the Muslim north and Christian south. This is nothing short of ethnic cleansing. Our brothers and sisters need our prayers at this time.'
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