A Nigerian rights group, the International Society for Civil Liberties and Rule of Law (Intersociety), has urged the government to take concrete steps to address the controversy surrounding alleged genocidal killings of Christians in the country. The organization has listed 21 measures it believes are necessary to restore secularism and freedom of worship in Nigeria, free from what it terms “religicide.” These recommendations come amid allegations of genocide targeted against Christians, which the government has previously dismissed as unfounded. Intersociety claims its stance has been vindicated by findings from Mike Arnold of the City of Blanco, Texas, USA.
The group’s statement, signed by key officials including Emeka Umeagbalasi and Obianuju Joy Igboeli, advises the government to stop defending the indefensible and acknowledges that time is no longer on their side. Among the 21 measures are ensuring the supremacy of the 1999 Constitution, ending “State Jihadism,” and governing the country on a secular basis. Intersociety also calls for the abolition of all forms of structural, physical, and cultural violence, the convening of an electoral constituent National Conference to discuss how best to live in peace and harmony, and an end to crude and brutish soldiering and policing, especially in Eastern Nigeria.
Additionally, the group demands that the government account for an estimated 5,000 Easterners—particularly Igbo‑Southeasterners—who it claims were secretly detained and transported to secret military dungeons in Northern Nigeria. It advocates for the de‑radicalisation and re‑orientation of the Nigerian security forces, an end to the “lawless” status accorded to members of the Fulani population, and the disarming of jihadist elements. Other key recommendations include restoring and protecting Nigeria’s indigenous farming communities, accounting for over 850 Christian hostages held in the Rijana Forest in Kaduna State, and abolishing the Muslim‑Muslim Presidency.
Intersociety also calls for a credible national census, the repatriation of illegal aliens, and the proscription of groups that fail to disarm jihadist elements within their ranks. The implementation of these measures is seen as crucial to addressing the ongoing controversy and restoring peace and harmony in Nigeria. As the government considers its next steps, it remains to be seen whether these recommendations will be adopted and what impact they will have on the country’s future.
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