The wave of violence against believers in northern Nigeria continues as Boko Haram insurgents struck two communities in Borno State over the weekend, leaving eight Christians dead and several others injured.
According to local sources, the attacks took place on Saturday, August 30, and Sunday, August 31, in Ngoshe village, Gwoza Local Government Area, and Mussa village, Askira-Uba Local Government Area. The victims were mostly farmers and ordinary residents who were either working in their fields or resting in their homes when the extremists descended.
Hauwa Samuel, a Christian resident in the region, confirmed the incidents. She explained that on Saturday, five Christian farmers were killed in Ngoshe village as they tried to earn their daily bread. Barely 24 hours later, another set of attackers stormed Mussa village at night, slaughtering three Christians as they slept.
“Christians here have continued to face challenges from constant threats and attacks from Boko Haram terrorists,” Samuel lamented. “The burden is heavy, but we continue to hold on to faith in Christ.”
Security Agencies Confirm Killings
The Borno State Police Command verified the attacks in a statement released by its spokesperson, Nanum Kenneth. “Reports from our officers in the two areas showed that five persons were killed at Ngoshe community in Gwoza Local Government Area, while three others were killed in Mussa community in Askira-Uba Local Government area,” Kenneth said.
Similarly, Reuben Kovangiya, spokesperson for the Nigerian military in Borno, confirmed that troops were dispatched to repel the attackers. He assured residents that the army remains committed to protecting lives and preventing future bloodshed. “Our personnel have been working assiduously to ensure that these attacks are curtailed,” Kovangiya stated.
Political Leaders React
Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume, who represents Borno South in the National Assembly, also spoke out against the killings. He disclosed that, in addition to the murders, Boko Haram insurgents burned down dozens of homes in Mussa village, leaving families homeless and traumatized.
In a statement issued by his aide, Junaid Jibrin, the senator described the killings as “heartbreaking and deeply painful.” He noted that many of the victims were simple farmers and youths whose only desire was to live in peace and provide for their families.
“I am profoundly saddened by these senseless killings,” Ndume said. “Our people, whose only pursuit is peace and livelihood, continue to fall victim to the cruelty of insurgents. These men and women deserved to live, to farm, and to dream. Their lives were cut short by those who thrive on violence and destruction.”
Boko Haram’s Ongoing War Against Christians
Boko Haram, which translates roughly to “Western civilization is forbidden,” has waged a bloody insurgency since 2009 with the aim of establishing strict sharia law in Nigeria. The group is notorious for targeting Christians, churches, schools, and even Muslims who refuse to join their jihad.
The terrorist organization fractured in 2016, giving rise to a splinter group known as Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP). Both factions continue to unleash terror across Borno and neighboring states, displacing thousands and destroying communities.
Nigeria Among the Deadliest Nations for Christians
The Christian persecution watchdog Open Doors recently released its 2025 World Watch List, and Nigeria once again ranked among the most dangerous places on earth to be a follower of Christ. The report revealed that out of 4,476 Christians killed worldwide for their faith during the reporting period, 3,100—or 69 percent—were killed in Nigeria alone.
“Nigeria ranked seventh on the 2025 World Watch List of the 50 worst countries for Christians,” the report stated, adding that the level of anti-Christian violence in Nigeria had reached the maximum possible measure.
Call to Prayer and Hope
While government and military authorities continue to pledge security reforms, Christian leaders emphasize that believers must remain steadfast in prayer. The blood of martyrs, they remind us, has always been the seed of revival.
For Christians in Borno, faith remains their anchor in the storm. As Samuel put it, “Though the attacks are many, we continue to trust God for protection and for peace to return to our land.”
The global body of Christ is urged to stand in solidarity with persecuted believers in Nigeria, praying for comfort for the bereaved, protection for vulnerable communities, and repentance for those walking in darkness.
