The National President of the Ohanaeze Youth Council, Comrade Igboayaka O. Igboayaka, has alleged that ongoing attacks on Christian communities across Nigeria constitute a coordinated jihadist campaign orchestrated by extremist elements within and outside the country. He made the claims during an interview with Radio France International (RFI) on Sunday, November 30, 2025, hosted by journalist Christina Okello.

Igboayaka argued that Nigeria cannot effectively address the violence without a nationwide referendum that would allow citizens to reconsider the terms of national coexistence.

Calls for a Referendum as “Long-Term Solution”

“The only viable long-term solution or antidote to stop the decades-long Islamic agenda against Christians in Nigeria is the expedited conduct of a referendum,” he said, adding that Nigerians should be given the opportunity to “redefine coexistence within the Nigerian federation.”

He claimed that the killings are widespread and systematic and alleged that attacks in the Southeast are being carried out under the guise of efforts to dismantle the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

According to him, “Christian killings have taken on a dimension focused with pretence on dislodging IPOB… while the real intention is the targeting of Christians with support from Nigerian troops.”
None of these claims have been independently verified.

Allegations About Past and Present Administrations

Igboayaka also accused the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari of coordinating attacks under military operations such as Operation Python Dance, alleging that the initiative was used to stigmatize IPOB while extremist groups carried out violence in parts of the Southeast.

He further claimed that attacks on farmers, villages, and Christian communities by bandits and armed herders expanded during that period.

He said similar patterns of violence were visible in the Southwest and Middle Belt, stating that churches and communities had been targeted, and describing the Middle Belt as facing “a daily routine of massacres.” Independent reports have documented attacks in these regions, but not all of Igboayaka’s assertions are corroborated.

Igboayaka criticised the current administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, alleging that it has failed to intervene in the escalating violence. He claimed the government is “observing the killings of Christians like football lovers watching the Premier League,” characterising Nigeria as a “failed state.”

Calls for Political Action

The youth leader argued that only a referendum could address the crisis and prevent further bloodshed.

“A referendum in Nigeria is the only viable solution to stop the killings of Christians… Christian communities in Southern Nigeria and Northern Nigeria must rise and demand a referendum,” he said.

He alleged that the situation worsened under the current administration, which he described as “tyrannical”—a claim that reflects his personal political stance.