Fresh Alarm As CAN Claims Plot Targeting Nigeria’s Christian Population

The Christian Statistics Committee of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Niger State has raised concerns over the impact of insecurity and displacement on Christian communities in the state, alleging that persistent attacks in some areas are reducing their population.

The chairman of the committee, Marcus Salka, made the claim while presenting data on the estimated Christian population of Niger State and addressing concerns over figures circulating on social media.

According to Bush Radio Academy, Salka said the committee estimated that Christians account for about 45.7 per cent of Niger State’s projected population, representing approximately 3.42 million people out of a projected population of 7,478,417.

He explained that the figure was derived from the 2025 population projection of the Niger State Bureau of Statistics, alongside demographic data, surveys and research. He also acknowledged that Nigeria’s official population census does not provide a religious breakdown, meaning the 45.7 per cent figure is an estimate rather than an official census figure.

Salka said the committee was established by the Niger State chapter of CAN to correct what it described as inaccurate representations of the Christian population, particularly figures being circulated on social media.

He argued that the level of political participation among Christians should not be used to determine the size of the Christian population, stressing that Christian communities are present across both rural and urban areas of the state.

The committee chairman further alleged that prolonged insecurity in parts of Niger State, particularly Shiroro, Munya, Paikoro, Rafi, Wushishi and Magama, had resulted in deaths and displacement among residents in communities with significant Christian populations.

According to Salka, the situation had affected the distribution of Christian communities compared with the population structure recorded in the 2006 census. He alleged that the killings and displacement were part of a deliberate effort to reduce the Christian population in affected areas.

The allegation has not been independently established, and available reports describe it as the position of the Christian Statistics Committee. The committee has called attention to insecurity and displacement as factors affecting the distribution of communities in the state.

Salka said the 2006 census recorded Niger State’s population at 3,950,249, while the state’s 2025 projected population was put at 7,478,417. He maintained that Christians remain represented across the state’s 25 local government areas through various denominations.

The committee said it would continue gathering demographic information in an effort to document the Christian population and challenge figures it considers inaccurate.

Salka also called for greater reliance on credible demographic information when discussing the population and representation of religious communities in Niger State.