The Christian Statistics Committee of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Niger State has alleged that attacks and displacement caused by terrorists have significantly reduced the Christian population in some parts of the state.

Chairman of the committee, Marcus Salka, made the claim while presenting figures on the Christian population in Niger State. He said Christians account for approximately 45.7 per cent of the state’s population, citing what he described as data from the Niger State Bureau of Statistics.

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Salka rejected claims circulating on social media that Christians constitute only a small minority in the state, saying the committee was established to document the Christian population and correct what it considers inaccurate projections. He also said the absence of religious affiliation in Nigeria’s last official census made it necessary for demographic estimates and other sources to be considered.

According to Salka, the Christian population was above 50 per cent in Niger State at the time of the 2006 census, but he alleged that insecurity in several areas subsequently led to deaths and displacement. He specifically mentioned Shiroro, Munya, Paikoro, Rafi, Wushishi and Magama among areas affected.

He said, “As at 2006, our population was well over fifty percent, but following the incessant insecurity in Christian dominated local government areas, especially Shiroro, Munya, Paikoro, Rafi, Wushishi, Magama, etc, majority of our people were killed, others relocated and this obviously was strategic to depopulate our people.”

Salka further said the committee’s position was intended to provide a clearer picture of the Christian population and counter what he described as misleading claims about the group’s demographic strength and participation in public affairs.

However, the allegation that the attacks were strategically carried out to depopulate Christians remains a claim by the committee chairman. The statement provided does not cite independent evidence establishing the motive of the attackers or independently verify the 45.7 per cent religious population estimate.