Nigeria is the most violent country in the world to follow Jesus.
bottom“They killed many of our people, including many of my husband’s family. Because of the chaos, we were just running helter-skelter.”
—Imma*, Benue State
*Name changed for security purposes
Christians in Nigeria suffer significant and severe persecution to such a degree that, for several years, Nigeria has been the most violent place in the world for believers. 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 the Islamic State group— target followers of Jesus and any properties owned by Christians. Other Christians, particularly farmers in Nigeria’s Middle Belt, are confronted by Islamic extremists 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 extremists hiding in the forests. Another contributor to insecurity for Christians in the southeast 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.
Persecution is most acute in the northern part of Nigeria, where Islamic extremists 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.
– That God brings peace to Nigeria and gives hope and stability to displaced Christians.
– That Nigeria’s government will do everything possible to protect people from violence.
– That God changes the hearts of officials and those who inflict violence on His people.
Open Doors works through local church partners in Nigeria to provide both immediate and long-term care. This includes trauma counselling, emergency aid, discipleship training, socio-economic support, and persecution-preparedness training.
