By Uthman Baba -Naseer,Minna

Niger state Christian leaders have disclosed that out of the Seven million, four hundred and seventy eight thousand, four hundred and seventeen (7,478,417) population projected, Christians are three million, four hundred and seventeen thousand, six hundred and thirty six (3,417,636) representing 45.7 per cent.

While citing insecurity and displacement as factors that have altered the distribution of Christian communities, Chairman of the Christian Statistics Committee set up by the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Niger State chapter, Evang. Marcus Salka said the essence of the data was to correct what it described as inaccurate projections of the Christian population, particularly those circulating on social media.

Speaking during a press conference on Sunday in Minna, Salka who is also Chairman of Nigeria Christian Youths in Politics, Niger state Chapter alongside his Secretary Barde Jesse said after gathering all data, Christians are 45.7 per cent, compared with approximately 46.1 per cent and 8.2 per cent for the other two religious categories in the State.

It should be recalled that the 2006 census population of 3,950,249 for Niger State, comprised 2,032,725 males and 1,917,524 females.

Salka noted that Nigeria’s last official population census however did not include religious affiliation, making the 45.7 per cent figure an estimate based on available demographic projections, surveys and research carried out since 2025.

Accordingly, he said “the estimation was derived from the 2025 projected population of 7,478,417 for Niger State by the Niger state Bureau of Statistics, thereby putting the Christian population at approximately 3,417,636.

“The size of the Christian population should not be judged by the level of participation in active politics.

“That some Christians do not participate in active politics does not mean we do not have the number. Christians make up a significant population in Niger State.

“We cannot, and we will never keep quiet and then allow those who do not know our population to project or assume figures for us for selfish interests”.

Salka also linked changes in the distribution of Christian communities to prolonged insecurity in parts of the state.

The group chairman specifically mentioned Shiroro, Munya, Paikoro, Rafi, Wushishi and Magama, alleging that attacks had led to deaths and displacement of residents from communities with significant Christian populations.

He alleged that some Christians had been forced to relocate while others were killed, describing the development as a factor that had affected the demographic distribution of Christians.

“Following the incessant insecurity in Christian-dominated local government areas, especially Shiroro, Munya, Paikoro, Rafi, Wushishi, Magama and others, majority of our people were killed, others relocated,” he said.

He further alleged that the displacement was part of a deliberate attempt to reduce the Christian population in affected communities.

The group said, despite the displacement, Christians remained present across both rural and urban communities in the state.

He said the population had increased substantially, citing the 2025 state projection of 7,478,417, comprising 3,790,197 males and 3,688,220 females.

The chairman stated that Christians were spread across the state’s 25 local government areas and represented by Catholic, Anglican, Methodist, Baptist, Pentecostal, Evangelical and African Instituted churches, among others.

The Christian blocs identified by the group included the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria, Christian Council of Nigeria, Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria, Organisation of African Instituted Churches, TEKAN and ECWA-related fellowships.

He then vowed that the Committee would continue to challenge what it considers inaccurate representations of the Christian population in Niger State.

BY UTHMAN BABA-NASEER,MINNA

Sequel to the constitution of the Judicial commission of inquiry by the governor Mohammed Umar Bago, to investigate the death of the 37 alleged illegal miners in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC),the eleven member of the commission will commence their inaugural sitting Tuesday,29th, September 2026.

This was contained in a statement issued to Journalists in Minna by the Secretary of the Commission Mohammed Aliyu Kutigi Esq.

According to the statement,the inaugural sitting is expected to commence by 10 o’clock in the morning at the hall of the Teachers Professional Institute,along F.flayout by Tayi Junction in Minna Niger State

The Judicial Commission of Inquiry which is headed by a Minna High Court Judge,Justice Mohammed Adishetu Mohammed of the Minna High Court ,number four,the statement requested member of the public to attend urging member of the public to submit their memo to the commission.

Governor Umar Bago,while inaugurating the Judiciary Commission of Inquiry charged members of the Commission to discharge their duty with all sincerity and the fear of God.

He reminded them that the task ahead of them is enomouse and herculious urging them to put the fear of God in the discharge of their duty.

Governor Bago stated that the Commission which is saddled with the responsibility of getting to the root course of the incident has four weeks to operate and conclude it’s findings.

He informed members of the Commission that is not vested with the powers relating to look into the administrative conduct and possible punishment of the officers but rather to look into the act that was committed within the purview and powers of government of Niger State.

The Commission’s terms of reference,according to governor Bago,include to look into the arrest and essential legality of the of the custody and treatment of the victims while in custody and the circumstance of their deaths.

It is also to look at the responsibility and accountability of officers,medical foresenic investigation and evidence,and make it’s findings and recommendations.

By Dabid Owei

Bayelsa State Government on Sunday held an inter-denominational thanksgiving service to kick-start activities marking the 30th anniversary of the creation of the state.

The service, held at the King of Glory Chapel, Government House, Yenagoa, attracted top government officials, religious leaders and stakeholders.

The service was used to reflect on the state’s journey since its creation on October 1, 1996, by the late General Sani Abacha administration.

Governor Douye Diri, who was represented by his deputy, Peter Akpe, said the anniversary calls for deep thanksgiving to God for how far the state has come.

He said while the state celebrates its legacies at 30, there is a need for collective introspection to reposition it for greater purpose and development.

According to him, “If you were around 30 years ago, I believe you will say in all things we should give thanks, and specifically for where we are, we should appreciate God.

“The founding fathers, or those who were there, who played one role or the other, who came to Bayelsa or knew how Bayelsa was at the time we were created, they tell you the story. Some of us who are around can also tell you that we are not where we used to be, though we have a trajectory of where we are going to. The speed of getting there needs to be accelerated.”

Speaking on his administration’s scorecard, Diri highlighted infrastructure development as a major achievement of the Prosperity Administration.

He said from 2020 till date, over 85 per cent of communities in the state had been touched by one project or the other, aside from legacy projects.

He listed the construction of internal roads, the opening up of road networks and the deliberate policy of completing abandoned projects as proof of growth.

“Bayelsa is no longer a one entrance, one exit city anymore. You can now enter from all locations and all angles. We have ensured that there is no project abandoned as much as possible,” he said.

He explained that the government’s philosophy is that public funds must be judiciously used for economic sustainability, adding that projects are executed with Bayelsa money and should not be wasted on political sentiments.

“Any project that we execute, we are only guided as leaders to ensure those projects are executed. It is our money, the money of Bayelsans. There is no need to waste it with political thoughts. Check that alone – we have completed almost all the abandoned projects,” the governor stated.

In a sermon titled “Help From God,” Guest Preacher, Pastor Kontei Krinya, said every human being, irrespective of status, needs help at one point or the other.

Krinya said the teacher needs help from the government for promotion, the government officer needs help from the electorate to be voted into office, the electorate needs help from the government for social welfare, while the doctor needs the patient’s prayer and the patient needs the doctor for healing.

Referencing Isaiah chapter 6 where God asked “Whom shall I send, who will go for us?” and Judges chapter 5, he said a crime was committed because the people did not consider the help of the Lord, noting that man’s help is limited compared to God’s help.

He said as Bayelsa celebrates 30 years, the state must learn to look up to God for help, as only help from above guarantees lasting solutions and peace.

The service featured prayers for peace, economic sustainability and accelerated development as the state prepares for the grand celebration on October 1.

The service had in attendance wife of the governor, Gloria Diri; wife of the deputy governor, Favour Akpe; Senators representing Bayelsa East and Central, Benson Agadaga and Friday Kombowei-Benson; House of Representatives members, Oforgi Oboku, Rodney Ambaiowei and Marie Ebikake; Leader of the State House of Assembly, Monday Obolo-Bubou; Secretary to the State Government, Prof.Nimibofa Ayawei; commissioners, local government chairmen and other top government functionaries.