'Unrelenting' Christian Persecution in Nigeria: Report Raises Alarms

A new report by Open Doors International reveals a shocking surge in Christian persecution in Nigeria, with thousands killed and displaced. The report exposes the targeting of Christian communities, faith leaders, and places of worship by extremist groups and militants.

A major new report by Open Doors International, a faith-based non-profit working to raise awareness of global persecution, has shed light on the "unrelenting" and alarming levels of Christian persecution in Nigeria.

'Unrelenting' Christian Persecution in Nigeria: Report Raises Alarms

The report titled "No Road Home" documents the displacement of Christians from their communities, the destruction of their property, and the targeting of Christian leaders. It highlights the role of Islamist terror groups such as Boko Haram and the Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP), as well as predominantly Muslim Fulani militants, in carrying out these attacks.

"Christians are deliberately targeted," the report states, adding that "Christian communities, their livelihood(s), faith leaders and places of worship" are under attack. The report reveals that in 2023 alone, 4998 Christians were killed in Nigeria due to their faith.

'Unrelenting' Christian Persecution in Nigeria: Report Raises Alarms

Pastor Benjamin Barnabas, an interviewee in the report, recounted being attacked by alleged Fulani militants while tending to his farm. He was beaten, and his family and home were burned. He has since been living as an internally displaced person (IDP) for five years.

Other interviewees report being forced to convert to Islam to avoid further persecution. The report highlights how Christians are also being denied access to food and livelihood opportunities if they refuse to renounce their faith.

'Unrelenting' Christian Persecution in Nigeria: Report Raises Alarms

The situation is particularly dire in the North-Central region of Nigeria, where Christian displacement has reached alarming levels. From 2014 to 2023, the number of IDPs in the country increased from 1.1 million to 3.4 million, with Christians disproportionately affected.

The report also exposes the neglect faced by Nigerian Christian IDPs. They report land grabbing, limited access to food and hygiene, and a lack of protection from security forces. In some state government camps in Borno, IDPs have felt compelled to convert to Islam or hide their faith to gain access to critical support.

'Unrelenting' Christian Persecution in Nigeria: Report Raises Alarms

A State Department spokesperson expressed concern about the high levels of violence in Nigeria, particularly the attacks on religious communities of all faiths. The spokesperson emphasized the ongoing efforts by U.S. officials to urge the Nigerian government to address the drivers of conflict and religious persecution.

However, the problem extends beyond Nigeria. "Throughout Sub-Saharan Africa, we are seeing an increase in violence, in the persecution, and that can take the form of physical, violent attacks," said Ryan Brown, CEO of Open Doors U.S.

'Unrelenting' Christian Persecution in Nigeria: Report Raises Alarms

Brown stressed the need for governments and the church community to stand together to address the growing persecution of Christians in Africa. "It sends a vocal message... and perhaps even most importantly, for our brothers and sisters in Africa, it sends a message that we see them and they are not forgotten," he said.

The report concludes with a poignant plea: "As the followers of the Prince of Peace flee their homes and live in fear, let us pray and act in solidarity with them."

'Unrelenting' Christian Persecution in Nigeria: Report Raises Alarms