To:  

The Nigerian High Commissioner in London  

The British Foreign Secretary, Lord Cameron  

The Minister for Africa, Andrew Mitchell  

The Shadow Foreign Secretary, David Lammy  

Cc: Mrs. Fiona Bruce, Prime Minister’s Special Envoy on Freedom of Religion or Belief.

Subject: Urgent Action Required - Condemnation and Response to Terrorist Attacks on Christians in Nigeria

Dear Sirs,

I am writing to bring to your urgent attention the recent heinous terrorist attack in Nigeria, where three Christians were brutally executed after being taken off a bus by terrorists from ISWAP (Islamic State West Africa Province) who continue to move around unfettered and wreck destruction on lives. 

This atrocity has yet again left the Christian community in shock and fear, but equally worrying is that there has been a ‘very loud silence’ from both the Nigerian and British governments who both proffer the tenets of Human Rights (the right to life), Freedom of  religion or belief. Who both espouse the rule of law, territorial integrity but seem to allow impunity for these attacks of innocent christians and citizens murdered in cold blood.

We urgently request the following actions:

1. Immediate and strong public condemnation of this attack from both the Nigerian and British governments.
2. Detailed information on the measures being taken to prevent such attacks in the future.

This killing comes just a few days after the terrorist group issued a ‘leave or die’ notice to communities in the Kukawa LGA in Borno State after killing 15 fishermen in the region. This adds to the urgency of a coordinated and effective response.

We understand that Parliament is in recess due to the upcoming elections, but the functioning of the government must and does continue, especially in response to democracy-threatening atrocities like these.

We await your prompt response and concrete actions to address this grave situation.

Yours sincerely,

Ayo Adedoyin, CEO PSJUK and other concerned Nigerians and friends of Nigeria who have undersigned