Are Christian Nigerians Facing Persecution?
Highlight: For years, Christians in Nigeria have faced violent persecution. Much of this stems from Islamist extremist groups such as Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), operating in the northern regions.
Persecution is not new. Jesus Himself warned that those who live godly lives will face opposition, and that the world will hate us because it hated Him first (John 15:18).
The Bible tells us that persecution will come to those who believe and live for Jesus (2 Timothy 3:2). When we hear of or experience persecution for our faith, we are called to rejoice, knowing that we share in the sufferings of Christ and that His Spirit rests upon us (1 Peter 4:12-14). This does not mean we remain silent or passive. Scripture also calls us to remember and pray for those who suffer (Hebrews 13:3). Today, this includes our brothers and sisters in Nigeria who are enduring persecution for their Christian faith.
What’s Happening to Christians in Nigeria
For years, Christians in Nigeria have faced violent persecution. Much of this stems from Islamist extremist groups such as Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), operating in the northern regions. Their goal is to establish an Islamic state where only Islam is permitted. This would give them both religious dominance and economic control, particularly over farmland in central and southern Nigeria, areas largely populated by Christians.
Thousands of Christians have been murdered, often without justice for their attackers. Catholic schools have suffered kidnappings, with 303 students and 12 teachers abducted. Church members have been taken while worshiping, and others have been shot during services. These acts are intended to spread fear and draw attention to the extremists’ cause.
The Nigerian government, along with some citizens, denies the scale of persecution, claiming the numbers are exaggerated or unrelated to religion. Yet even amidst misinformation, both sides acknowledge that violent clashes with Islamist groups have led to the deaths of many Christians.
Christians Facing Persecution in the Bible
Persecution is not new. Jesus Himself warned that those who live godly lives will face opposition, and that the world will hate us because it hated Him first (John 15:18). The early church provides examples of how believers endured persecution with faith and courage.
The Early Church in Acts
Peter and John were arrested for preaching the gospel (Acts 4:13-22). After their release, they prayed together and were filled with the Holy Spirit, speaking even more boldly (Acts 4:31).
Stephen’s Martyrdom
Stephen, full of grace and power (Acts 6:8), was accused of blasphemy before the Sanhedrin. After boldly proclaiming the truth of Christ, he was stoned to death (Acts 7). His face shone like that of an angel, a testimony of God’s presence even in suffering.
The Apostle Paul
Paul endured repeated persecution after his conversion. He and Silas were imprisoned for casting out a spirit from a slave girl (Acts 16:16-24). Later, mobs accused him of teaching against the law and the nation (Acts 21:26-36). He was held captive, tried before high officials (Acts 26), and ultimately executed under Emperor Nero.
Our Call Today
Like Paul and the early believers, many Christians gave their lives boldly for Christ. They are considered blessed for their perseverance. We are called to the same faithfulness. Whether living in places like the United States, where persecution is minimal, or in northern Nigeria, where believers flee their homes or face death for their faith, the command remains: live godly lives and boldly proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ (Matthew 5:10-12).
