Archbishop Ikechukwu Egbonu has drawn attention to the historical transformation of Turkey while discussing what he described as the spread of religious conflict and the changing religious landscape in parts of the world.
Egbonu made the statement during an interview with Signature TV while speaking about the killings and kidnappings affecting Christians and religious communities in Nigeria.
The Archbishop said, “Turkey used to be a Christian country, but today Turkey is a 90% Islamic country.”
He made the remark while explaining his argument that religious conflicts have historically contributed to major demographic and political changes across different regions.
Egbonu referenced Turkey as an example of a territory that, in his view, experienced significant religious transformation over the course of history.
He also pointed to North Africa, arguing that several areas that were historically important centres of Christianity later became predominantly Muslim.
According to him, some of the most influential figures and theological developments in early Christianity were associated with regions that are today predominantly Muslim.
Egbonu argued that the historical changes should be considered when examining present-day religious tensions in Nigeria.
He maintained that the country’s current security challenges should not be viewed simply as isolated criminal activities but also against the background of religious and ideological conflicts.
The Archbishop further expressed concern over what he described as attempts to reduce the Christian population through violence.
He alleged that attacks against Christians and religious centres in parts of Nigeria reflected a broader pattern, while warning that continued insecurity could deepen religious tensions.
However, his claims about the nature and coordination of attacks in Nigeria remain allegations and would require independent evidence and confirmation from security agencies.
Egbonu also stressed that his concern was not directed at Muslims generally, saying the challenge, in his view, was the use of extremist ideology to justify violence and restrictions on human freedom.
He called for stronger action by the government to protect citizens regardless of their religious affiliation and prevent the country’s security situation from deteriorating into a wider religious conflict.
His comments come amid ongoing national discussions over insecurity, attacks on communities and places of worship, and the responsibility of government and security agencies to protect Nigerians.
The Archbishop’s remarks have added to the broader debate among religious leaders and civil society voices about the causes of violence in Nigeria and the measures required to prevent further escalation.
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