Christian leaders from Northern Nigeria have made a passionate appeal to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to urgently facilitate the resettlement of thousands of displaced persons in Benue, Plateau, and Borno States who remain in refugee camps years after violent attacks drove them from their ancestral homes.
The appeal was made in Jos, Plateau State, during a historic meeting with the President — an encounter the clerics described as an opportunity to once again draw national attention to the plight of internally displaced persons (IDPs) and refugees from Northern Nigeria.
The meeting coincided with the funeral of Mama Lydia Yilwata, mother of Prof. Nentawe Yilwata, the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), which brought several top Christian clerics to Jos.
Speaking on behalf of the leaders, Rev. Dr. Amos M. Mohzo, President of the Church of Christ in Nations (COCIN) and Chairman of the Heads of Denominational Leaders on the Plateau, CAN, lamented that over 200,000 people from Gwoza in Borno State are still stranded in refugee camps across Cameroon and Chad.
Rev. Mohzo said:
“We humbly appeal to you, Mr President, to help bring them back home. In the same vein, we are calling for a lifeline for displaced communities in Plateau and Benue States. Rebuilding their livelihoods and homes will reposition them for meaningful living and productivity.”
He commended President Tinubu’s efforts in strengthening national security and his support for the establishment of state police, noting that the resettlement of displaced persons remains crucial for lasting peace and stability in the North.
The cleric also lauded Tinubu’s administration for promoting inclusivity by appointing prominent Northern Christians into key national positions — including Senator George Akume as Secretary to the Government of the Federation, General Christopher Musa as Chief of Defence Staff, and Prof. Nentawe Yilwata as National Chairman of the APC.
He, however, urged the President to broaden Christian representation in government and other critical institutions to promote national unity and fairness.
Speaking to journalists after the meeting, Rev. Joseph John Hayab, Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Northern Nigeria, reinforced the appeal, emphasizing the urgent need for a Special Presidential Reconstruction Initiative focused on rebuilding homes, restoring livelihoods, and providing social infrastructure for displaced families.
Hayab said:
“Our people cannot continue to live in camps when their ancestral homes have been taken over. We are appealing to Mr President to act with urgency so that these Nigerians can return home and live meaningful lives again.”
He reaffirmed the Northern Christian leaders’ commitment to peace, unity, and national development, assuring President Tinubu of their support for policies that promote justice and inclusivity.
Rev. Hayab added that CAN will continue to serve as a moral voice of conscience, holding the government accountable and advocating for policies that uphold fairness and humanity.
The clerics also used the occasion to condole with Prof. Yilwata and the entire Plateau State over the death of his mother, praying for God’s comfort and strength for the bereaved family.
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