Faith
Nigeria’s Jews Are Getting Caught in a New Separatist War
By Orji Sunday
The tapping noise from Ima Nwachukwu’s footsteps breaks the solemn silence as the 49-year-old rabbi walks among worshippers draped in white robes, prayer shawls and yarmulkes at a synagogue in Port Harcourt, Nigeria’s third-largest city.
“Remember you are not the only one persecuted. Jews all over the world are,” she tells them. She bows before the Star of David — ringed by a ribbon of blue light — at the end of a long sermon in which politics, persecution and purification all mingle.It’s a sermon rooted in a sharpening battle for survival that Nigeria’s small but fast-growing Jewish community faces. Africa’s most populous nation has seen its Jewish population double over the past five years to an estimated 10,000 people.
Synagogues in the country have also doubled in this period, from fewer than 10 to at least 20 today. But now, the community finds itself increasingly caught in a violent battle between Nigerian authorities and a revived secessionist movement for the creation of Biafra, which briefly existed as a separate nation in the 1960s.The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), the separatist movement that’s a successor to the earlier Biafra campaign, is led by Nnamdi Kanu, a British-Nigerian political activist who is Jewish. Most of Nigeria’s Jews are from the country’s southeast, which is also the home of the Biafra movement. They largely belong to the Igbo, Nigeria’s third-largest ethnic community, which has formed the base for the separatist campaign since the 1960s. Jewish Nigerian protesters have joined peaceful marches seeking a separate state. And though IPOB doesn’t directly link its demand for a new country to Judaism, Kanu resurfaced in Israel late last year, a year after going underground following raids at his home.
All that has set the stage for increasingly targeted attacks by Nigerian agencies against the Jewish community and its places of worship. More than 50 Jewish worshippers were arrested last December in the southeast state of Abia after they called for a separate Biafra. In January last year, Nigerian police forces raided a synagogue, also in Abia, and arrested two people over alleged links to the IPOB. But according to upset worshippers, they also took away the synagogue’s Torah and the Tanakh. Police raided another synagogue in the state in February. In 2016, an Amnesty International investigation showed that Nigerian forces had killed more than 150 pro-Biafra activists that year.
Nigerian authorities deny any religious-based persecution, insisting that they’re only targeting a terrorist group, the IPOB. But at least 28 Jews were among those killed in 2016, some of them taken from — or shot at in — synagogues and Kanu’s home. The walls of Nwachukwu’s synagogue are pockmarked with bullet holes. And the growing violence against Jews could lead to a chilling effect on the religion’s growth in Nigeria, some leaders fear.
“The synagogue is one of the riskiest places to stay,” says Yermeyahu Chukwukadibi, a Hebrew teacher and rabbi who heads a synagogue in Port Harcourt, in the southeastern River state. “People are afraid of identifying with Jews because of the persecution.”
The origins of Nigeria’s Jews are disputed. Many within the community believe they’re one of Israel’s “lost tribes.” Ancient Jewish scripts suggest communities that existed in North Africa may have spread to West Africa — and Nigeria — several centuries ago, some historians say. “We are not Jews by adoption,” says Abah Enage, a storyteller who is widely considered a custodian of the Jewish tradition in Nigeria. Many non-Jewish members of the Igbo community believe their ancestors too were Jewish and were converted to Christianity during British colonial rule.
Others disagree and suggest that Judaism in Nigeria is a relatively recent 20th-century phenomenon. Paul Obi-Ani, a history professor who is himself Igbo and teaches at the University of Nigeria in the southeast city of Nsukka, says Igbo Jews and the ancient Israelites share “cultural trait resemblances” but that there’s little “established historical evidence” of ancient links.
Where there’s unanimity, though, is over the rapid growth of Nigeria’s Jewish community in recent years — and how that expansion and the Biafra movement have fed into each other. Kanu is a practicing Jew who wears his religion publicly, in his appearances, speeches and public prayers. That, combined with the perceived support he enjoys from Israel — the country hasn’t publicly backed IPOB but didn’t bar Kanu from staying there in exile either — have helped Judaism’s popularity among the Igbo community at a time the Biafra movement has picked up again. Nwachukwu, in fact, appeals to Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for help against Nigerian authorities. “He is our leader,” she said. “Let him not forget the seed of his people abroad. We shall — one day — return to Jerusalem, our motherland, one day.”
A comradeship over a shared sense of persecution with Jews — over their history, and not just in Nigeria — also makes the religion attractive to many in the Igbo community as it fights for a separate land, say some analysts. “When you persecute minorities, you give them the opportunity to grow, to become known and to gather sympathies,” says Chikodiri Nwangwu, a political scientist at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka. Nigeria’s Jews, he says, deserve better. “They are citizens of Nigeria and deserve full right to practice their religion.”
So far, Nigerian authorities have shown no intent to change their approach. In fact, Jewish community leaders say attacks have been getting worse — they point out that there’s been a discernible uptick since U.S. President Donald Trump moved the American embassy in Israel to Jerusalem in 2018. Also, authorization requests for peaceful protests are being turned down, they say. Government officials claim that’s to avoid potentially violent clashes, but critics say it’s a way to stop Nigerian Jews from articulating concerns publicly.
Either way, those worries aren’t going anywhere. Not while Nigeria’s Jews are in the crosshairs of authorities battling a separatist movement.
·
By Abiodun Lawal
Lufuwape (Ogun), April 27, 2025 The Nigerian Baptist Convention says individual’s closeness to God remained the greatest factor in addressing various challenges.
President of the convention, Rev. Israel Akanji, stated this at a Sunday Service held at the Baptist International Convention Centre in Lufuwape, Lagos-Ibadan Expressway in Ogun.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Baptist’s 112th Annual Convention kicked off on Saturday to end on May 1.
NAN reports that the theme of the convention is: “Entering into Newness through Fasting and Prayer”.
Akanji who took his sermon from the book of Luke 8 vs 1 to 8 , noted that prayers remained an act of faith and called on Nigerians to focus on God who solves problems rather than the problems.
He said it was important to believe in possibilities and have the conviction that only God answers prayers.
The Baptist President cited example of a widow who was not afraid, annoyed or ashamed of her challenges but kept moving until she overcame the challenges with her closeness to God.
“We should run away from factors that will make us sin against God, we should love one another. We should not allow our adversaries to make us a failure.
“We should focus on God who solves problems. Keep making attempt on your goal, don’t give up , then believe in possibilities,” he said.
Akanji emphasised that the Baptist as a movement, was entering into newness through fasting and prayer as a vehicle to be able to experience newness in their lives and the country.
From Dan Amasingha, Minna
The Niger State Pilgrims Welfare Board has officially flagged -off distribution of Uniforms and 8kg hand luggage’s to the intending pilgrims for this year’s pilgrimage as part of the arrangements lineup for 2025/1446 Hajj exercise to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Performing a symbolic Flagg-off on at the Board headquarters in Minna, officials gathered to witness the beginning of the pilgrimage preparations.
In his remarks during the Symbolic distribution, the Executive Secretary of the Board, Sheikh Muhammad Awwal Aliyu noted that the distribution is a crucial step in ensuring a smooth and hitch free pilgrimage experience for the intending pilgrims from the State.
The Executive Secretary represented by the Director Administration of the Board, Babani Aliyu Yahaya while making the symbolic presentation to the Area Pilgrims Welfare Officer( APWO) of Chanchaga Local Government, who is the Chairman of the APWO’s in the State, maintained that the uniforms and the 8kg Hand luggage belongs to the intending pilgrims who have completed their payments only, ensuring that they are well prepared for the spiritual journey.
He said the 8kg hand luggage provided to the Area Pilgrim Welfare Officers (APWOs) is designed to help manage the personal belongings of the pilgrims, ensuring that they travel light and efficiently.
The Director Administration of the Board, use the medium to call on those who are yet to complete their payments to quickly do so, while urging those that have the intention to do so as quickly as possible.
In his remarks, after receiving the Uniforms and 8kg luggage for the pilgrims of Chanchaga Local Government and the Chairman of the APWO’s, Alhaji Abu Sufyanu Siri Siri promised to judiciously distribute the items to the intending pilgrims while assuring that he will uphold the highest standards of service as they prepare to assist the pilgrims in their spiritual journey.
This initiative which is an annual exercise is to provide broader strategy to enhance the overall pilgrimage experience, addressing logistics challenges that pilgrims often face.
The event was attended by the management of the Board and some APWO’s.
Niger State Pilgrims Welfare Board remains committed to ensuring that all intending pilgrims to have a fulfilling and memorable experience, underscoring the significance of the sacred journey.
….Position on Military Intervention
Laide Akinboade, Abuja
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has urged the Economic Community Of West Africa States (ECOWAS) not to use military intervention to resolve the current crisis in Niger.
In a recent statement signed by the CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, the apex Christian association commended President Ahmed Tinubu, and other heads of ECOWAS for their unwavering commitment to discouraging coups d’état and the forceful takeover of power.
“We also applaud their commendable efforts in resolving the crisis currently faced by our neighbours in the Republic of Niger.
“CAN fully recognizes the gravity of the situation in Niger and the importance of upholding democratic principles, peace, and stability within the West African region. We believe that the peaceful resolution of conflicts is vital for the progress and well-being of our nations and our people.
Read Also: Niger Coup: Activate Standby Force, ECOWAS Orders Defence Chiefs
“We applaud President Ahmed Tinubu for adopting a diplomatic approach in addressing the crisis by sending a high-level delegation, led by the eminent statesman General Abdulsalam Abubakar, to engage with the Nigerien authorities. This diplomatic overture demonstrates President Tinubu’s commitment to peaceful dialogue and his belief in the power of constructive engagement to foster understanding and resolve conflicts.
“Furthermore, we commend the inclusion of the esteemed Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, in the delegation. This representation showcases the unity of purpose and the collaborative spirit of Nigerian leaders, transcending religious and ethnic boundaries to jointly pursue peace in our region.
“CAN also commends the notable efforts of other prominent leaders, who have engaged with the Nigerien authorities in their personal capacities, leveraging private contacts. Their wisdom, experience, and counsel will undoubtedly contribute to the resolution of the crisis in Niger and the restoration of peace and stability in the region
“As an organization deeply committed to promoting justice, peace, and harmony, CAN urges Tinubu, to remain on the path of dialogue and avoid any form of military intervention or measures that would create enmity between the good people of Nigeria and Niger. We firmly believe that the path to lasting peace lies in upholding democratic processes, respecting the sovereignty of nations, and engaging in peaceful dialogue to address grievances and resolve conflicts.
“We implore all stakeholders involved in this matter to embrace peaceful negotiations, exercise restraint, and tirelessly work towards a sustainable resolution of the crisis in Niger. It is crucial to remember that peace is a collective responsibility, and only through joint efforts and unwavering commitment can we build a future of progress, stability, and prosperity for our nations, the statement read.
Strike Looms as ASUU Accuses FG of Endless Agreement Negotiations, Others
ShareBy David Torough, Abuja The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has once again raised the alarm over the Federal...
FCT Prisons: 56 Inmates Freed, 33 Shiites Convicted- NCoS
ShareJustice Husseini Baba-Yusuf, Chief Judge of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court, has discharged 56 inmates across two custodial...
Sales Rep Docked Over Alleged Stealing Motorcycle Valued N1.2m
Share The Police on Friday arraigned a 42-year-old sales representative, Surajudeen Lawal in Badagry Chief Magistrates’ Court over alleged stealing Bajaj...
Police Deny Detaining Social Media Influencer in A’Ibom
Share The Police Command in Akwa Ibom says it did not detain, Mrs Blossom Williams, an Akwa Ibom-based social media influencer...
2027: I have No Presidential Ambition – Yahaya Bello
ShareFormer governor of Kogi, Alhaji Yahaya Bello on Friday said he won’t contest against President Bola Tinubu in 2027 because...
Tiv Monarchs Give Herders Ten Days Ultimatum To Vacate Tiv Kingdom
ShareBy David Torough, Abuja The Tiv Area Traditional Council during its emergency meeting held yesterday in the palace of the...
Karimi Raises the Alarm over Rising Insecurity in Nigeria
ShareFrom Joseph Amedu, Lokoja Chairman, Senate Services, Sen. Steve Karimi has expressed concern over the spiraling insecurity in the country,...
FG to Convert JD Gomwalk House to National Job Outsourcing Hub – Tijani
ShareFrom Jude Dangwam, Jos The Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Hon. Olatunbosun Tijani has disclosed that the federal...
Prosperity Cup, Living up to Expectation, Says Akpe
ShareFrom Mike Tayese, Yenagoa The Director General of the Prosperity Cup, Ono Akpe has declared that the Bayelsa State Governor’s...
Ex-Bayelsa Reps, Slam Ex-SGF over Comment on Tinubu’s Visit to the Vatican
ShareFrom Mike Tayese, Yenagoa Former Member of the Federal House of Representative from Bayelsa State, Rt. Hon. Israel Sunny-Goli has...
Arabic
Chinese (Simplified)
Dutch
English
French
German
Italian
Portuguese
Russian
Spanish