Thousands of Christians Killed in Nigeria as Persecution Intensifies
The persecution of Christians in Nigeria has reached a staggering scale in 2025, with thousands losing their lives for their faith. This violence, driven largely by Islamic extremists and radicalized militias, echoes the biblical warning that believers would face hatred and persecution for the name of Jesus (Matt. 10:22). For Christians worldwide, these reports are a call to pray for our brothers and sisters in Nigeria, asking God to strengthen them, give them hope and fill them with courage to stand firm in their faith.
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Staggering Death and Abduction Rates
The Anambra-based International Society for Civil Liberties and Rule of Law (Intersociety) reports that “at least 7,087 Christians were massacred across Nigeria” from Jan. 1 to Aug. 10 of this year. In the same period, “no fewer than 7,800 others were violently seized and abducted for being Christians.”
These numbers translate to “an average of 30 Christian deaths per day and more than one per hour,” according to the report. The abduction rate is similarly horrifying: “an estimated 35 Christians are also calculated to have been abducted daily and roughly two others per hour, in the said past 220 days.”
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The violence is largely attributed to jihadist groups such as Boko Haram, Islamic State affiliates, and radicalized Fulani herders. Intersociety warns that Nigeria is a “safe haven” for at least 22 Islamic terror groups intent on wiping out Christians and indigenous ethnic identities, including the ancient Igbo heritage.
Government Inaction and Growing Threat
Emeka Umeagbalasi, Intersociety’s chair, has tracked religious violence in Nigeria since 2010 and says the trend is worsening. “We have been following the patterns and trends, and the situation is getting worse,” he told The Christian Post. He accuses the Nigerian government of failing to apprehend perpetrators, even arresting Christian victims who attempt to defend themselves, rather than the attackers.
Since 2009, the organization estimates that “185,009 defenseless Nigerians” have been killed, 125,009 of them Christians. During that time, 19,100 churches have been destroyed, over 1,100 Christian communities “sacked,” and 600 Christian clerics abducted.
A Biblical Response to Persecution
Scripture reminds believers that persecution is not new; Jesus told His followers that those who follow Him would face trials and suffering (John 15:18–20). Yet the Bible also promises that those who endure will receive the crown of life (James 1:12). As Nigerian Christians endure unimaginable hardships, the global Church is called to intercede for them, praying for their protection, steadfastness, and for their persecutors to come to faith in Christ.
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Umeagbalasi has urged the United States and Western nations to take stronger action, including reinstating Nigeria on the U.S. “Countries of Particular Concern” list, which carries the possibility of sanctions. Nigeria was removed from that list during the Biden administration’s first year, a move that drew criticism from the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom.
Global Advocacy
Other advocacy groups are sounding the alarm. Open Doors US, which tracks global Christian persecution, placed Nigeria in the seventh spot on its 2025 World Watch List, underscoring the urgent need for action and prayer.
James Lasher is staff writer for Charisma Media.
