Radical groups threaten Nigeria’s persecuted Christians

For years, the SIT has denounced the situation suffered by Christians in Nigeria. Sub-Saharan Africa continues to be confirmed as one of the most dangerous places in the world for Christians and this last year, 2023, it has suffered more attacks than any other country.

Christians living in this country, near the border with Burkina Faso, face strong pressure from Islamic extremist groups operating in the surrounding area. Such is the pressure that they have even had to close churches and many Christians have been forced to flee because they fear for their lives and safety.

As we reported last August, situations of repression are repeated. Like the one that took place last month when one of these Islamic military groups broke into two churches in a town in this part of Niger. About four armed men suddenly entered in the middle of the mass. According to witnesses, each attacker carried an assault rifle, a knife and a whip. “Haven’t you heard that we have banned Christian acts of worship in this area?” shouted the radical extremist group. The Christians gathered there were preparing to conclude the prayer when the men entered the church and pointed their weapons at the people. According to a believer present at the attack, they asked the attendees: “Have you not heard that we have banned Christian acts of worship in this area?” “We have been in this region for three years,” the extremists responded. “How can you say that you have never heard that we have banned Christian acts of worship in the area? If you say that you have not heard our warning, you are lying to us.”

The armed men ordered the Christians to kneel. One of the jihadists took his whip and told them that he was going to whip them for disobeying his measure against the cult. In total, 14 men and three women were beaten. The pastor received more blows with the whip and they reiterated that Christianity is prohibited in the area.