In Nigeria, there is an alarming and largely unnoticed crisis of relentless violence against Christians. During a time when much of the world celebrated Christmas, Nigeria was overshadowed by grief due to the massacre of over 100 Christians, an event that has largely escaped international attention.
Amnesty International has reported that armed groups have devastated around 20 communities in central Nigeria, causing more than 140 deaths, with some estimates suggesting the number could be as high as 200. These killings have taken place across a region that informally divides the predominantly Muslim north and the predominantly Christian south in Nigeria’s Plateau State, where Christians make up about 46% of the population.
Rev. Johnnie Moore, a notable evangelical figure, expressed his dismay at the international community’s silence on social media.
Intersociety, a local civil society group, reports that since 2009, over 52,000 Christians in Nigeria have been victims of fatal attacks due to their faith.
The U.S. State Department has condemned the recent violence in Plateau State, calling for accountability and emphasizing its concern and ongoing monitoring of the situation.
Rev. Johnnie Moore, with extensive experience in religious freedom advocacy, highlighted that Nigeria, and more broadly western Africa, is currently one of the most dangerous places in the world for Christians. He compared the severity of the Christian persecution in Nigeria to the ISIS-related violence in Iraq and Syria.
The violence against Christians in Nigeria includes the burning of villages, destruction of churches, and targeting of women and children. Moore recounted the story of a pastor who remained dedicated to his mission despite having his churches destroyed, illustrating the resilience and determination of the Christian community under threat.
Walid Phares, a political analyst knowledgeable about jihadist movements, points to the rising threat of groups like Boko Haram in Nigeria. These groups are hostile not only to Christians but also to moderate Muslims, as they seek to expand their ideological control.
There have been claims of delayed responses to the attacks by Nigerian authorities, with some accusations that government forces might be collaborating with the assailants.
Despite the challenges, the U.S. State Department has reaffirmed its commitment to promoting religious freedom in Nigeria and is collaborating with the Nigerian government to ensure the protection of human rights, including freedom of religion.
Human rights activists are urging for more robust action from the U.S. government, including considering reinstating Nigeria on the “Country of Particular Concern” list for religious freedom violations, a status removed by the current administration despite ongoing issues.
Intersociety also notes that moderate Muslims have been victims of violence, with over 34,000 killed since 2009. Phares suggests that achieving peace requires immediate action to support coexistence between Muslim moderates and Christians.
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The situation in Nigeria calls for urgent and comprehensive action to halt the violence and promote religious harmony.
