President Buhari’s push to corporatize religious houses is causing tension with religious leaders who accuse him of bias against Christians.

The Lenten season has begun, and more Nigerians are likely to attend religious gatherings. To stall a possible outbreak, however, Archbishop Alfred Martins of the Archdiocese of Lagos said contact should be restricted.

The pastor’s murder is only the latest attacks in the West African nation. On Jan. 19, Boko Haram insurgents ambushed two separate Nigerian army patrols, killing 17, and slaughtered a bridal party on Dec. 27.

Thousands have fled Cameroon for Nigeria following a crackdown on protesters who say English-speaking regions have been marginalized by the nation’s French-speaking majority.