Nigeria: the current epicenter of persecution against Christians
Nigeria has become one of the most dangerous countries in the world for Christians. Various international reports agree that violence against this religious community has reached alarming levels in recent years, especially in the northern regions and the so-called “central belt” of the country.
According to the 2026 World Watch List compiled by the organization Open Doors, between October 2024 and September 2025, 4,849 Christians were killed worldwide for reasons related to their faith, and 3,490 of them died in Nigeria, representing more than 70% of the global total. This confirms the African country as the deadliest place for those who profess Christianity.
The violence has multiple causes. On the one hand, jihadist groups such as Boko Haram and the Islamic State in West Africa (ISWAP) have carried out attacks for years against Christian villages, churches, and schools with the aim of weakening the Christian presence in certain areas of the country. Added to this are mass kidnappings, the burning of churches, and the destruction of homes, forcing thousands of families to flee or live under constant threat.
Besides direct attacks, in some northern regions—where Islamic law, or Sharia, is applied—Christians report social discrimination and restrictions on their religious freedom. This situation is exacerbated by weak institutions and the presence of armed gangs that operate with relative impunity in rural areas.
In recent years, there have also been particularly violent attacks against entire communities. In 2025, for example, nearly 150 people died in a massacre in Benue State, one of the most serious episodes of recent violence in the country.
Despite this adverse context, Nigerian Christian communities continue to maintain their presence and religious activity. Humanitarian and religious organizations are calling for greater international protection and stronger efforts from the Nigerian government to guarantee the safety and religious freedom of all citizens.