A new report by Open Doors International reveals that Christian persecution in Nigeria has reached unprecedented levels, resulting in thousands of deaths and widespread displacement. The report highlights the targeting of Christian communities, leaders, and places of worship, primarily by extremist groups and armed militants.
"The killing, persecution, and displacement of Christians in Nigeria is 'unrelenting' and 'a time bomb,'" warns a major new report by Open Doors International, a faith-based non-profit dedicated to raising awareness of global persecution. The report reveals that Christians are "deliberately targeted" in Nigeria, with attacks carried out by Islamist terror groups such as Boko Haram, the Islamic State of West Africa Province, and predominantly Muslim Fulani militants.
Nigeria: Christian Persecution Alarmingly High, Leading to Mass Killings and Displacement
In the period from October 2019 to September 2023, the Observatory for Religious Freedom in Africa reported that 16,769 Christians were killed in Nigeria—more than all other places in the globe combined. Additionally, the report highlights the forced displacement of Christian communities due to extreme violence, resulting in a surge in internally displaced persons (IDPs) from 1.1 million in 2014 to 3.4 million in 2023.
Pastor Benjamin Barnabas, who witnessed the brutal attack by Fulani militants on his farm, has been living in an IDP camp for five years. The pastor, who lost everything, is now a minister to thousands in the camp. He laments, "We are displaced because of violence. The news doesn't care about it. We are remaining in darkness – being forgotten, being disregarded."
Nigeria: Christian Persecution Alarmingly High, Leading to Mass Killings and Displacement
The report also exposes the harsh conditions and faith-based challenges faced by Christian IDPs. They have been subjected to land grabbing, destruction of their lands, and lack of security protection. In some cases, they have been forced to convert to Islam to access critical support or gain admission to educational institutions.
Open Doors CEO Ryan Brown expressed concern that the international community is turning a blind eye to the plight of Nigerian Christians. He said, "People are not aware of the realities, and therefore people aren't doing anything about it." He emphasized the urgent need for action, particularly support for IDPs in the North-Central region.
Nigeria: Christian Persecution Alarmingly High, Leading to Mass Killings and Displacement
The State Department acknowledged the high levels of violence in Nigeria, including attacks on religious communities of all faiths. They stated that Boko Haram and ISIS-WA have been designated as Entities of Particular Concern for religious freedom. However, the department highlighted its efforts to support Nigerian security services and implement programs aimed at mitigating conflict and addressing the drivers of violence.
Brown emphasized the importance of collective action by governments and churches to address the growing problem of Christian persecution in Africa. He said, "I think, as we become aware and increase that awareness and align ourselves with our brothers and sisters and stand in solidarity in Africa, it sends a vocal message." This message, he said, can influence international aid strategies, promote the protection of religious liberties, and send a message of support to Christian communities facing persecution.
Nigeria: Christian Persecution Alarmingly High, Leading to Mass Killings and Displacement
The report also sheds light on the trauma experienced by Christian children in Nigeria. One parent shared, "My children, each time they hear anything, they panic or go into hiding because it triggers the trauma. The terror of the attacks has not stopped, rather it has increased."
Despite the grim statistics and ongoing challenges, there are stories of resilience and hope emerging from within the Christian community in Nigeria. Pastor Barnabas, despite losing everything, remains steadfast in his mission to serve the displaced. He said, "We are here to help them, we are here to encourage them, we are here to show care. This is the love of Jesus Christ."
Nigeria: Christian Persecution Alarmingly High, Leading to Mass Killings and Displacement
