Outrage In Nasarawa as Nigerian Government Arrests Evangelist Daniel Ukpo After Raising Alarm Over Terrorist Attack in Nasarawa State as Advocates Demand Immediate Release

Fresh concerns over state complicity in rising anti-Christian violence have erupted after Evangelist Daniel Ukpo, a missionary leading a Christian outreach in Agboda village, Nasarawa State, was arrested shortly after armed Fulani herdsmen attacked his gathering.

Ukpo had mobilized Christians across Agboda village for a prayer outreach that drew a large crowd. Midway into the program, heavily armed herdsmen stormed the scene, firing sporadically and sending worshippers running for their lives. In a desperate attempt to alert authorities and the public, Ukpo recorded the unfolding chaos and posted the footage online, pleading for urgent help.

But instead of receiving protection, hours later, state security operatives reportedly descended on Agboda, arrested the evangelist, and transferred him to Lafia. Security officials allegedly claimed that his videos were capable of inciting unrest, a move that has been widely condemned as a deliberate cover-up.

Christian organisations, civil society groups, and human rights advocates are now raising alarm over what they describe as a disturbing trend: whistleblowers who expose attacks on Christians are being hunted, intimidated, or detained, while those responsible for the violence remain untouched.

Critics argue that this pattern reflects a deeper systemic problem. They allege that Nigeria’s ruling class, many of whom have Fulani affiliations, often turn a blind eye to, or outright shield, militant herder groups frequently accused of massacres across Christian and farming communities. Arresting a whistleblower while known bandits walk free, analysts say, signals complicity and reinforces the perception that the government is enabling a covert campaign of violence.

Observers warn that silencing eyewitnesses emboldens the attackers and deepens the crisis. By targeting those who speak out, the government risks allowing extremist violence to flourish unchecked while intimidating victims into silence.

There is now a growing nationwide and international call demanding justice, transparency, and accountability. Activists insist on the immediate release of Evangelist Daniel Ukpo and pressure the government to stop persecuting those who raise alarms about insecurity, especially attacks with religious undertones.

As the situation unfolds, Nigerians are urged to lend their voices to ensure that whistleblowers are protected, not punished, and that the escalating violence against Christian communities is confronted with sincerity, urgency, and fairness.

The call grows louder: Free Evangelist Daniel Ukpo now.