The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has alleged that terrorists have been killing residents in Christian-dominated local government areas of Niger State as part of a depopulation plot. According to the Christian Statistics Committee, the population of Christians in the state is significantly higher than previously reported figures. The committee's chairman, Marcus Salka, stated that Christians make up approximately 45.7 percent of the state's total population, contrary to figures being circulated in some quarters.
The Christian Statistics Committee was set up by the Niger State chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria to accurately determine the Christian population in the state. Salka emphasized that the aim is to correct the wrong projection of the Christian population that has been circulating on social media. He stressed that comments suggesting Christians do not participate in politics due to their population ratio are unfounded. The committee's findings are based on data from the Niger State Bureau of Statistics.
According to the Niger State Bureau of Statistics, the state's population is projected to be 7,478,417 as of 2025, with males making up 3,790,197 and females 3,688,220. The state has 25 Local Government Areas, with the most populous areas being Suleja, Minna, Kontagora, Bida, and Mokwa. The population is largely rural, with approximately 5.5 million people, compared to 1.7 million in urban areas.
Salka noted that the large number of Christian denominations present in both rural and urban areas has contributed to the significant Christian population. He also highlighted that the 2006 census reported the state's population as 3,950,249, comprising 2,032,725 males and 1,917,524 females. Niger State has an annual growth rate of 3.4 percent, higher than the national average of 3.2 percent.
The Christian Statistics Committee chairman alleged that the incessant insecurity in Christian-dominated local government areas, such as Shiroro, Munya, Paikoro, Rafi, Wushishi, and Magama, has led to the killing of many Christians and the relocation of others. This, he claimed, is a strategic attempt to depopulate the Christian community. Salka emphasized that Christians will not remain silent while others project or assume figures for them for selfish interests.
The demographic breakdown of Christianity in Niger State shows that Christians make up about 46 percent of the population, primarily concentrated in rural and urban areas among indigenous ethnic groups, especially in southern and western local government areas. The remaining population is comprised of approximately 46.1 percent and 8.2 percent of other religious groups, predominantly represented in northern and central regions of the state.
The Christian Association of Nigeria has vowed not to keep quiet while others project or assume figures for them. The committee's findings aim to set the record straight and provide accurate information for future guidance. KEY_POINT: The Christian population in Niger State stands at approximately 45.7 percent. KEY_POINT: Terrorists have been killing residents in Christian-dominated areas as part of a depopulation plot. KEY_POINT: The state's population is projected to be 7,478,417 as of 2025.
