ASSESSMENT ON THE IMPACT OF INSECURITY ON CHURCH GROWTH IN NORTH CENTRAL GEO-POLITICAL ZONE OF NIGERIA

Abstract

This study was carried out to assess the impact of insecurity on the physical growth of the Church in North central Geo-political Zone of Nigeria. The objective of the study was to assess the level of physical destruction on the church members and the church as an institution. The total population comprised of Christians in six states and the Federal Capital Territory (Abuja) that made up North Central Geo-Political Zone of Nigeria was 12,020,405. One thousand, six hundred and fifty-seven (1,657) respondents were randomly sampled to represent the total population. Descriptive survey design was used for the study and two instruments were employed to collect data: Questionnaire and Interview. The finding revealed that, the physical growth of the has reduced in population as a result of destruction of humans, church structures and relocation. The study recommends that, protection of Christians and their property should be a paramount thing to the government and any one that violates such should be punished as the law stipulates so as to serve as a deterrent to others; and also, all property of churches that were looted, vandalized, burnt and destroyed should be rebuilt or compensated by the government and wealthy Nigerians.