The 2025 Global Christian Relief Red List paints a grim picture of escalating violence against Christians in Nigeria. The report reveals that nearly 10,000 Nigerian Christians were tragically killed between November 2022 and November 2024, a staggering figure that underscores the grave danger facing religious minorities in the country.
The report highlights the harrowing experiences of individuals like Suzanne, a Christian woman whose life was irrevocably altered by a brutal attack from Boko Haram militants. Suzanne tragically lost her father and her eyesight in the attack, leaving her physically and emotionally scarred. Her story serves as a poignant reminder of the human cost of the escalating violence plaguing Nigeria.
The report meticulously documents the various forms of persecution faced by Nigerian Christians, including:
- Massacres: The report identifies Nigeria as the deadliest country for Christians, with 9,814 documented killings. This figure surpasses the combined total of Christian deaths in all other countries during the same period.
- Attacks on Churches and Christian Properties: India witnessed the highest number of attacks on Christian properties (4,949), followed by Mozambique, Myanmar, Ukraine, and Ethiopia. These attacks often involve the destruction of places of worship, homes, and other Christian institutions.
- Arrests and Detention: China emerged as the leading country in terms of Christian arrests, with 1,559 documented cases. Eritrea, Nicaragua, Russia, and North Korea also reported significant numbers of Christian arrests.
- Abductions and Assaults: Nigeria recorded the highest number of abductions and assaults, with a staggering 9,311 incidents. This includes the kidnapping of individuals for ransom, a practice that has become a significant source of funding for extremist groups.
The report underscores the systemic nature of these attacks, often driven by extremist groups such as Boko Haram, Fulani militants, and the Islamic State West Africa Province. These groups employ various tactics, including targeted killings, mass abductions, and the destruction of Christian communities, to instill fear and destabilize the country.
The abduction of Christians for ransom has become a particularly alarming trend. Extremist groups and criminal networks exploit the vulnerability of Christian communities, demanding exorbitant ransoms that strain the financial resources of families and churches. This practice not only inflicts immense suffering on individuals and families but also fuels the coffers of extremist organizations.
The report also highlights the plight of Christian leaders, who are frequently targeted for their faith and their role in their communities. Pastors, priests, and other religious leaders face increased risks of abduction, assault, and even assassination. These attacks undermine the spiritual and social fabric of Christian communities and create a climate of fear that hinders religious freedom.
The GCR Red List underscores the urgent need for the international community to address the escalating crisis of Christian persecution in Nigeria. The report calls for a multifaceted response, including:
- Increased international pressure: The report urges the United States to re-designate Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” under the International Religious Freedom Act. This designation would signal a strong condemnation of the human rights abuses occurring in the country and pave the way for targeted sanctions against individuals and entities responsible for the violence.
- Enhanced diplomatic engagement: The international community must engage with the Nigerian government to address the root causes of the violence and hold perpetrators accountable. This includes supporting efforts to strengthen law enforcement, improve security, and protect religious freedom.
- Humanitarian assistance: The provision of humanitarian aid to displaced and persecuted Christians is crucial. This includes providing food, shelter, medical care, and psychosocial support to those affected by the violence.
- Advocacy and awareness-raising: Raising global awareness of the plight of Nigerian Christians is essential to mobilize international support and pressure governments and international organizations to take action.
The report concludes with a message of hope and resilience. Despite the immense challenges they face, Christian communities in Nigeria continue to demonstrate remarkable courage and perseverance. They continue to worship, serve their communities, and spread the message of hope, even in the face of persecution.
The GCR Red List serves as a critical wake-up call to the international community. The continued violence against Christians in Nigeria demands a swift and decisive response. The time for action is now.
