Pastor Emmanuel Iren of Celebration Church International has forcefully responded to mounting criticism regarding his perceived silence on the recent Plateau State massacre that claimed over 50 lives, including children. The faith leader’s passionate defense highlights tensions between public advocacy and private humanitarian work in Nigeria’s ongoing security crisis.
“Grow up! Social media is not real life,” Iren declared in a strongly worded statement posted on X (formerly Twitter), pushing back against accusations that prominent pastors have remained silent in the face of horrific violence. His response came amid growing public pressure on religious leaders to use their considerable influence to demand justice for victims of the brutal attack.
The massacre, which has shocked the nation and drawn widespread condemnation, represents another tragic chapter in the persistent violence plaguing Nigeria’s Middle Belt region. As news of the killings spread, many Nigerians directed their frustration toward influential religious figures, including Pastor E.A. Adeboye, Bishop David Oyedepo, and Pastor Iren, questioning why such prominent voices weren’t speaking out more forcefully.
Iren’s response revealed extensive humanitarian efforts his ministry has quietly undertaken in the region. In Plateau alone (not even the whole north), last year we paid for the treatment of a man whose arm was amputated by bandits, sent clothes to villages, have had kids on scholarship for five years now, partnered with missionaries, helped families escape attacks,” he detailed.
The pastor emphasized that these initiatives were deliberately conducted without publicity, stating they were carried out “without noise or paparazzi like people who actually care and not to ‘score points’ in public eye.” His comments underscored a philosophical divide regarding activism: whether public advocacy or private action represents the more meaningful response to crisis.
Throughout his statement, Iren challenged his critics’ moral standing. “Before you come here to take the moral high ground, ensure you’re at least doing what I am doing or better,” he wrote, suggesting that his detractors might be engaging in performative outrage rather than substantive action. The pastor further asserted his independence, declaring, “Except you are a member of my Church, I don’t owe you any accountability. You do not tell me when or how to speak up.”
This confrontation highlights growing tensions in Nigeria regarding the responsibilities of religious leaders during national crises. With their massive followings and influence over millions of faithful, pastors of mega-churches wield significant social and political capital. Many Nigerians believe these spiritual leaders have a moral obligation to leverage their platforms when tragedies occur, particularly when religious or ethnic dimensions are involved.
The Plateau attacks represent a flashpoint in Nigeria’s complex security challenges, which include farmer-herder conflicts, banditry, and ethno-religious tensions. The region has experienced cycles of violence for decades, with civilian populations often caught in deadly crossfire. Each massacre renews calls for more decisive government intervention and greater solidarity from influential figures across Nigerian society.
Iren’s pointed reminder that he does not “hold a public office” reflects frustration that religious leaders are being held accountable while government officials—who bear direct responsibility for security—escape similar scrutiny. Maybe holding the leaders who do accountable will be a better idea,” he suggested, redirecting attention toward elected officials tasked with protecting Nigerian citizens.
His statement also touches on a broader debate about the relationship between social media activism and real-world impact. By contrasting online criticism with his ministry’s tangible humanitarian efforts, Iren challenges the assumption that public statements necessarily translate to meaningful assistance for victims.
Security experts note that Nigeria’s ongoing violence presents complex challenges requiring multifaceted responses from government, civil society, and religious institutions. The effectiveness of public advocacy versus private humanitarian work remains contested, with some arguing that both approaches serve essential but different purposes in addressing cyclical violence.
For victims of the Plateau massacre and their families, these philosophical debates may seem academic compared to their immediate needs for security, justice, and support. Humanitarian efforts like those Iren describes provide critical assistance to survivors, while public advocacy can potentially pressure authorities to take more decisive action to prevent future attacks.
The controversy surrounding Iren’s response reflects Nigeria’s broader struggle to address root causes of persistent violence. Religious leaders navigate a difficult terrain where their words and actions—or perceived lack thereof—face intense scrutiny from a public desperate for moral leadership during recurring tragedies.
As the nation mourns the latest victims, the exchange between Pastor Iren and his critics highlights fundamental questions about responsibility, accountability, and effective engagement during crisis. Religious leaders’ responses to violence will likely remain under the microscope as Nigeria continues seeking pathways toward sustainable peace and security.
Iren concluded his statement with a spiritual perspective on the controversy: “At the end of the day, God marks our scripts.” This theological framing suggests that despite public criticism, he ultimately views divine judgment as the final arbiter of his ministry’s response to human suffering—a position that may resonate with his followers while further frustrating critics seeking more visible forms of solidarity with victims.
The debate surrounding religious leaders’ responsibilities during national crises shows no signs of abating as Nigeria continues grappling with security challenges across multiple regions. How Pastor Iren and other prominent spiritual figures navigate these expectations may significantly influence both their public standing and their ability to effect positive change in communities affected by violence.
