BIAFRA : 80% rise in Christians killed worldwide in 2020: Open Doors report

 

2020 continued a trend of rising persecution around the world, with governments often using COVID-19 restrictions as tools of repression,

 Christian persecution watchdog Open Doors USA announced in its annual report.

Open Doors' 2021 report revealed two important persecution trends in 2020. The number of Christians killed has increased by 60% this year,

 mostly because of Islamic violence against Nigerian Christians. Secondly, anti-Christian governments around the world use COVID-19 restrictions to persecute Christians.

“This past year 2020 has been a year of uncertainty and fear. We’ve been all fighting a virus that we cannot see with the naked eye.

 Less known but equally as viral has been the discrimination, isolation and violence against Christians by using COVID-19 as a leverage and as justification,” Open Doors President and CEO David Curry told the conference.

In Nigeria, over 2,200 Christians were murdered by radical Islamists. This number makes up slightly less than half of the 4,761 Christians killed for their faith worldwide,

 according to Open Doors statistics. Most of the Christians killed in 2020 gave up their lives to extremist groups, not governments, Curry said.

“Extremists […] are emboldened by government weakened by COVID-19 restrictions, knowing that they can steal food and medical supplies from already embattled Christian communities around the world,” he said.

Violence by Islamists in Nigeria amounts to genocide, Curry said. Attacks have spilled over into neighboring countries.

 Across Africa, even countries with sizeable Christian majorities like Mozambique and Burkina Faso have suffered from Islamic persecution. It only takes a few extremists to commit violence against Christians.

Other persecution hotspots around the globe include China and India, Open Doors announced. In China, the Communist Party has cracked down on Christians by using surveillance technology.

 In the last year, it has integrated its social credit and video security system, enabling it to track its people and punish them for attending church.

In India, the Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party has encouraged persecution of Christians by sanctioning Hindu extremism,

 Open Doors research found. The party has told its nation that only Hindus are truly Indian, Curry told The Christian Post. Political leaders have discouraged police from responding to attacks on Christians.

“I put the responsibility at the feet of the ruling party, the BJP, which is very nationalistic.

Their message to the population has been, ‘we want India to be a Hindu nation,’” said Curry. “I have a strong belief that if most Indian citizens knew what was happening in these Christian communities they would vote for different people.”

COVID-19 restrictions have covered up persecution in many places, Curry said. In many countries, Christians lose their jobs because of COVID-19. Then, governments refuse to provide aid to believers and employers don’t hire them back. It looks like more suffering caused by COVID-19, but it’s a quiet persecution.

“In the northeast of Nigeria, Christians have been reporting only 15% of the emergency rations that others have gotten. COVID has clearly affected all of us around the world, yet for some their faith has made them more vulnerable,” he said.

Similar events have happened in India, he said.

For the first time, every country in Open Doors’ list of the top 50 persecutors has very high or extreme levels of persecution, the report said. This trend will likely continue, Curry added.

“The embedded forces that are driving these scores up, religious extremists, Hindu extremism in Nepal, Hindu extremism in India, the Islamic extremist groups which we most recognize as ISIS or al Qaeda,

 that’s an ideology that does not need a territory. When ISIS was conquered, that cancer has metastasized around the world. That trend is growing in strength. You also have governments now who have the ability to use surveillance to watch private behavior,” said Curry.

Christians face the most persecution worldwide because they are the largest minority faith in many countries, he said.

“The sheer number of [Christians persecuted] is significant,” he said. “You do have other faiths and we want to speak up that everybody should have the right to choose their own faith. This is about freedom of conscience.”

NEWS : 2,200 Nigerian Christians hacked to death in 2020; 34,400 since 2009: Intersociety report

When radical Islamists murder Christians in Nigeria, the government lists their deaths as having other causes, according to new report released by Nigeria’s International Society for Civil Liberties & the Rule of Law.

The newly-released report indicates that deaths which the Nigerian government describes as random banditry or inter-tribal violence, actually result from radical Islamists attacking Christians, said Intersociety leader and founder Emeka Umeagbalasi.

Since 2009, 34,400 Christians have been murdered by radical Islamists, with 2,200 slain in the last year, the report says. Radical Muslims have also killed an estimated 20,000 moderate Muslims.

the most dangerous dimension to radical Islamism in Nigeria is its secret rise and spread and clandestine control of state power through Fulani Jihadism. In other words, the Nigerian Government’s major local and foreign policy direction, in clandestine practice, is ‘Fulani Jihadism’ — a policy pursued with utter alacrity and through different colors and disguises including pro-jihadist or radical Islamic policies and conducts. To cover up these, the present Nigerian government has also created an international machinery of falsehood and propaganda with well-funded or oiled international lobbying campaigns targeted at misinforming and misleading key and strategic international legislative, diplomatic and democratic institutions or bodies especially the EU, U.S., U.K. and Australia and their Parliaments; the Commonwealth and the U.N. and other internationally respected state and non-state actors," the report states, in part. “What the government here is doing is mapping out strategies. [It’s] a kind of script that’s given to media, local media and what have you,” Umeagbalasi said.

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According to Umeagbalasi, Nigeria’s government tells media that Fulani tribe herdsmen travel south fleeing desertification and kill during conflicts with local farmers. The truth is that Fulani tribesmen travel south because they are radical Islamists looking for Christians to kill. They don’t attack Muslim villages, and traditional cattle-grazing methods don’t support enough cows to justify fatal conflicts with farmers.

The Nigerian government hides these attacks because it supports radical Islamists, Umeagbalasi asserted. President Muhammadu Buhari is a Muslim. He is also a member of the Miyatti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria, which supports radical Islamic tribesmen, he added.

“Buhari sets aside the Constitution. He makes appointments without recourse to the Constitution,” Umeagbalasi continued.

 “In the Constitution, it is forbidden for the government to have a state religion. The Constitution made it clear that the composition of the armed forces of Nigeria should reflect regional or religious balancing, but the president is not listening to that.”

Instead, Buhari stacks the government with Muslims in positions of high authority, the Intersociety report said. Since Buhari's 2015 election, Muslims have occupied 32 of the most important 39 positions in politics, security, lawmaking and the judiciary, even though Nigeria has even numbers of Muslims and Christians.

In June, five of Nigeria’s major Islamic groups made an alliance with each other to rise up against Christians. The killings of Christians in Nigeria aren’t random acts of violence, but a calculated attempt to conquer Nigeria for Islam, Umeagbalasi claims.  

“The country is being taken over by the caliphate,” he said. “When they are done in the north, they will now come to the south.”

In response to the rise in attacks, Nigeria’s government has done little or nothing, the report says. They consistently under-report casualties of Christians. Sometimes, the government buries murdered Christians using Muslim funeral rites in an attempt to convince the world that Christians aren’t under attack.

“The Government of Nigeria clandestinely will direct the Army Commander or Commissioner of Police in charge of the incident area to organize a press conference denying the killing or linking it falsely to another cause such as ‘attack by bandits’

 or ‘rival communal violence’ or ‘killing associated with kingship/chieftaincy/intra communal violence’ or ‘reprisal violence’ or ‘cult-related killing,’ or ‘killing arising from armed robbery and kidnapping,’ or ‘road accidents,’” the report reads. 

Rather than sending the military or police to defeat heavily armed terrorists, the Nigerian government orders its forces to stand down and retreat if fired on, said Umeagbalasi. In some cases, the Nigerian Army allegedly participate in the killing of Christians.

Some Christians in the Army told him that commanders who tell their soldiers to fight terrorists get transferred to assignments where they can’t make the country safer.

“The leaders of Christian victim communities in Southern Kaduna told Umeagbalasi and Intersociety that their vigilantes mobilized to join soldiers in trailing the Fulani Jihadists after they have attacked Christians in their areas and escaped,

had come back telling them that those soldiers told them not to shoot the Fulani Jihadists when sighted and under attack because there is existing instruction or order from above not to shoot or arrest them 

(Jihadist Fulani Herdsmen) and that any senior army or military officer that flouts or goes against the order or security code stands the risk of being set up and premature retirement or being transferred to heavily insurgency affected areas,” the report noted. 

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BIAFRA : Nnamdi Kanu, Referendum permanent solution to Nigeria’s Multi-dimensional woes

 

The leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu has said that only a referendum can solve the multi-dimensional woes of Nigeria.

Kanu in a statement issued on his behalf by the Publicity Secretary of the group, Comrade Emma Powerful said that it is ironic that Nigeria is still remembering the genocidal war of 1967- 1970; a war the group claimed was planned to annihilate the people of the Old Eastern region.

Kanu in the statement claimed that one of the major reasons the memories of that war cannot be easily erased from the minds of Biafrans is “that today the oppressors have continued to repeat the same actions they visited on us with more impunity.

“Instead of treating Biafrans as equal stakeholders in the affairs of the country they have continued to subjugate and hunt down our people with the help collaborators in government houses in the east and Igbo professional traitors based in Abuja & Lagos.

“IPOB family members and other Biafran agitators have remained daily targets of the oppressor and their security agencies who see the South as a conquered territory and its indigenous inhabitants ripe for elimination at all cost.

“The question every rational being must as is this; why is Nigeria living in self-denial? Despite repeated warnings, sometimes from those who previously worked against Biafra, that Nigeria is fast traveling on the same highway that led to the war in 1967, those at the helm of leadership in the Zoo that laughably refer to themselves as the ‘elites’ have chosen to play the ostrich.

“Instead of playing to the gallery with warm words and empty promises, the time has come for these mischievous political hoodlums masquerading as elites in Nigeria to courageously do the needful and permanently address the root cause of the ever growing agitations across the Luggardian contraption.

“There is only one universally acknowledged solution to the problems bedeviling One Nigeria, it is called Referendum.

“This will enable and more importantly give the various ethnic nationalities forcibly clamped together into the undesirable British engineered colonial cage, the choice to decide whether or not they wish to continue their miserable coexistence or not.

“I understand the fear and apprehension of ethnic groups in Arewa core North living under Fulani hegemonic bondage. We would like to reassure them that Biafra won’t abandon them.

“The Biafra project is designed to set every oppressed group within Nigeria free, not just the long suffering people of the East.

“A referendum or plebiscite remains the best tool to determine the fate of the masses not the dictates of half-educated semi-literate corrupt nonentities in Abuja.

“This is 51 years after Harold Wilson’s failed attempt to wipe out the entire Igbo Biafran race from the face of the earth.

“The Fulani agents of neo-colonialism he used have now perfected the same art of using compromised individuals in the East to frustrate our march towards freedom for all.

“They cannot succeed because the people they have been deceiving over the years are now smarter.

“We agree with most of the germane issues raised at the webinar conference organized yesterday by Nzuko Umunna which further exposed some of the atrocities committed against Biafrans in the genocidal war 51 years ago. This was purely to let them know that we have not forgotten what they did to our fathers and mothers between 1966 and 1970.

“From the sensible contributions of eminent Nigerians in that gathering, it’s now obvious to the Fulani ruling cabal running the country that no one is happy with what is happening.

“Those frank observations emanated from the few prominent and respected Nigerians including politicians and religious leaders. This is a reminder to those thinking that they have pocketed Nigeria to stop living in self-delusion.

“The youths of Nigeria are rising to rescue the country from those who have taken it hostage. Biafra will soon bid farewell to the contraption and no force can stop this divine movement.

“IPOB is perfecting arrangement to ensure that Biafra is restored without another war but if our oppressors refuse to heed our calls for referendum, then they will later realize that IPOB is determined to pay whatever sacrifice to free our people from this bondage.”

BIAFRA : Why we can’t recognise Obiozor as Ohanaeze President, by IPOB

 

Leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) Nnamdi Kanu has declared the organisation cannot work with the newly appointed President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Prof. George Obiozor, because he was allegedly imposed on the Igbo socio-cultural body by the Fulani cabal.

Kanu, who spoke in a statement by the IPOB Media and Publicity Secretary, Emma Powerful, alleged a powerful presidential aide and Miyetti Allah were instrumental to the emergence of Obiozor as Ohaneze President General.

According to him, IPOB closely monitored the jamboree election that produced Obiozor as the new Ohanaeze helmsman, critically analysed the antecedents of those behind his emergence and came to the conclusion “we cannot in all honesty work with him because we are not ideologically compatible.

“Obiozor may not be entirely evil but those behind him are unrepentant enemies of Biafra. Naturally, he can only do the bidding of his sponsors, thus sacrificing Igbo Biafra interest at the altar of few self-centered political desperados.

“IPOB cannot work with a man we know will be remote-controlled by a Fulani terrorist group in the shape of Miyetti Allah and by extension the Federal Government of Nigeria.”

He also said that IPOB cannot work with people currently clamouring for a President of Igbo extraction in 2023 because “we know their real motives. None of the traitors on parade have Igbo Biafra’s interest at heart. They are only after their personal gains going by their antecedents.

“It’s still fresh on our minds what transpired at Jos PDP convention when the late Dr Alex Ekwueme contested for the candidature of the President of Nigeria under PDP in 1999.

“Then the likes of Jim Nwobodo, Orji Uzo Kalu and virtually every other Igbo delegate at that convention voted against him. These Igbo men sabotaged Igbo presidency then, what has changed since 1999 that will make them come out now to shamefully clamour for the same Igbo presidency they publicly rejected in 1999.”

BIAFRA : 10 facts about Nigeria’s Civil War you should know

Here are ten facts you should know about the civil war.

1. The Nigerian civil war otherwise known as Biafra war was fought from 1967 to 1970 and between the forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the forces of Biafra which seceded from Nigeria.
2. General Yakubu Gowon was Nigeria’s Head of State as of that time while the late Lt. Colonel Odumegwu Ojukwu was the leader of Biafra after serving as the military governor of the Eastern Region of Nigeria in 1966.
3. The civil war resulted from ethnic, economic, religious and political tensions which forced the Igbo ethnic group, a majority tribe in the Eastern Region, to announce secession from Nigeria.
4. An anti-Igbo pogrom in Northern Nigeria was followed by a military coup and a counter military coup leading to the secession of the Eastern Region.
5. The war began on July 6, 1967, with the Nigerian forces advancing to reclaim the Eastern Region which by then was already identifying itself as Biafra.
6. The Biafran forces also launched an offensive against Nigeria but were stopped at Ore in Ondo State where they suffered a major loss.
7. The foreign players in the civil war included China, the then Soviet Union, Israel, France, Egypt, Canada, and the United States.
8. Biafra surrendered on January 15, 1970, and was reintegrated into the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
9. After the war ended, General Gowon described it as one with “no victor and no vanquished”, a rhetorical statement aimed at healing wounds.
10. The region which was identified as the Eastern Region of Nigeria before becoming Biafra has since been split into two – the South-East and the South-South.
11.  Armed Forces Remembrance Day is a day set aside for the country’s fallen heroes, it is appropriate to take a brief look into the civil war which was one of the trying times in the country’s history.

Michael Owen predicts Liverpool vs Man United, Arsenal vs Newcastle, Fulham vs Chelsea, others

 Former Premier League and La Liga striker, Michael Owen, has predicted some of the English Premier League Match-day 19 fixtures.

Liverpool will host Manchester United on Sunday evening at Anfield, while Chelsea will tackle Fulham on Saturday evening.

Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal will face Newcastle United at the Emirates Stadium.

Sheffield United will host Jose Mourinho’s Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday afternoon.

Providing his predictions, Owen told BetVictor: “Well, this is certainly a Super Sunday! Manchester United travel to Anfield one place above their old rivals in the top spot. It’s been some turnaround for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s men and a win here would certainly cement their place in the title race.

“Liverpool’s mighty home record stands at 67 games unbeaten in the Premier League and Jurgen Klopp will be trying to treat this one as just another game in their quest for back to back Premier League titles.

“However, everyone involved at the club, especially the fans, will be hoping upon hope that when the time comes for that record run to an end, it won’t be at the hands of United.

“Personally, I do not see that run ending here although I do think it will be tight.

“Both teams love to play counter-attacking football, so I think this one could be a case of cat and mouse. I think both sides are likely to give up some territory so they can execute their counters attacks and if this materialises, I reckon we could be in for a stalemate at Anfield. Liverpool 0, Man United 0.”

Commenting on the Fulham vs Chelsea game, Owen said, “Incredibly, Fulham have drawn their last 5 Premier League matches. Their late equaliser against Tottenham showed there’s no question about the fight in their side which is essential when you’re down at the bottom.

“Chelsea was pulled apart in their last league match at home to Manchester City. It was a Christmas period to forget for Frank Lampard’s men, and they’ll want to get back to winning ways in their first away match of 2021.

“Although Fulham has been playing well, I just think Chelsea will have too much going forward, and with that in mind, I can see them nicking it by the odd goal. Fulham 1, Chelsea 2.”

On the Arsenal vs Newcastle United clash, Owen said, “These two were neck and neck for 90 minutes in last week’s FA Cup 3rd round match. They reoppose again here in the Premier League with both sides dropping points in their midweek matches.

“Pressure is mounting on Steve Bruce. Their defeat away to Sheffield United did not go down well with the Magpies faithful, and they will be demanding a response here.

“Despite Arsenal drawing at home midweek, the vibes around the Emirates are still positive. They are certainly playing with more confidence than they were showing a few weeks ago. I think this one could be tight again, but with spirits so low at Newcastle just now, I can only see one winner. Arsenal 2, Newcastle United 0.”

Speaking on the Sheffield United vs Tottenham Hotspur match, Owen said, “Spurs can’t seem to finish sides off just now. It’s a bad habit to get into and one you wouldn’t expect from a Jose Mourinho side.

“Sheffield United fans will have shared a collective huge sigh of relief after getting their long-awaited first win of the season against Newcastle. It will be interesting to see how they go from here. The Blades were excellent last season, and if they can play anywhere near that level for the rest of their campaign, it could get very interesting down at the bottom.

“That said, Spurs really should be winning this. I think playing away from home suits them better, and if Sheffield United decide to have a go, I could see Messrs Son and Kane pouncing on the counter. Sheffield 1, Tottenham 2.”

Liverpool vs Man United is 5: 30 pm, Arsenal vs Newcastle is 9 pm, while that of Fulham vs Chelsea is 6:30 pm and Sheffield vs Tottenham is 3 pm.