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Nigeria
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More Christians are killed in Nigeria than all other countries combined.
“The one that carried me on his motorbike, he asked why I was crying. I told him I am married, but he said, ‘If [your] husband was strong, he would have rescued you from [our] hands.’"
Persecution Type
- Ethno-religious hostility (Very strong)
- Islamic oppression (Very strong)
- Dictatorial paranoia (Very strong)
- Organized corruption and crime (Very strong)
Christian population
107,275,000
Government
Federal presidential republic
Main Religion
Islam/Christianity
Leader
President Bola Ahmed Adekunle Tinubu
What is persecution like in Nigeria?
In Nigeria, Christians suffer significant and severe persecution – to such a degree that Nigeria has been the most violent place in the world for followers of Jesus for several years. In northern Nigeria, 12 states have implemented Islamic law, creating a system where Christians live as second-class citizens, and conversion from Islam can be severely punished.
Violent Islamic militant groups also operate across northern Nigeria and into the country’s central region. Some of these groups – including Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), an offshoot of Islamic State – target followers of Jesus and any properties owned by Christians. Other Christians, particularly farmers in Nigeria’s Middle Belt, are confronted by Islamic militants among the Fulani people, who disproportionately attack Christian communities with horrific violence.
In recent years, violence has increased and spilled into southern states. Much of it is perpetrated by Fulani militants hiding in the forests. Another contributor to insecurity for Christians in the south east is Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), a separatist group trying to carve out its own nation. IPOB has also oppressed and persecuted Christians, particularly Christian leaders who do not conform to their ideological requirements.
What changed this year?
Who is most vulnerable to persecution?
Persecution is most acute in the northern part of Nigeria, where Islamic militants operate with impunity. The situation is highly unstable but also hidden from view for many.
Christians – especially converts from Islam – living in states governed by Islamic law are also at great risk. Anyone suspected of blasphemy or insulting the Prophet Muhammad can be violently opposed and even killed in vigilante mob attacks.
What does Open doors Do to help?
How can I be praying?
It seems the violence in northern Nigeria is never-ending. Ask God to bring peace to this country.
Just this year, tens of thousands of Nigerian Christians were displaced. Pray that God would give them hope and stability.
Pray that the government of Nigeria would do everything possible to protect people from violence. Ask God to work on the hearts of both officials and those who would inflict violence on His people.