The kidnappings, murder, and ongoing Christian persecution happening in Nigeria right now is an alarming reminder of the darkness and evil in our current age.
1 Peter 5:8 – Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour. (KJV)
The roaring lion remains loose in Nigeria.
According to a January 2025 report by Open Doors, Nigeria topped the world’s list for the number of Christians killed (3,100) and kidnapped (2,830) in 2024 — far more than any other country. Catholic News Agency
A watchdog group, International Society for Civil Liberties and Rule of Law (Intersociety), estimated that in the first seven months of 2025 alone, over 7,000 Christians were killed and around 7,800 abducted. wng.org
In state-level incidents earlier in 2025: for instance, “Fulani herdsmen” reportedly killed five Christians during a Bible study in Kaduna. CBN
In response to mounting pressure, the Nigerian government has denied systematic persecution claims, characterizing reports as distortions propagated by “foreign lobbyists.” Foreign Affairs Minister Yusuf Tuggar reaffirmed Nigeria’s constitutional commitment to religious freedom. The Nigerian Inquirer
Here’s the Latest
More than 300 students and teachers abducted from Catholic school in Niger State
Gunmen attacked St. Mary’s Catholic boarding school in Papyri, Niger State, and abducted 303 pupils and 12 teachers — one of the largest mass kidnappings recorded in Nigeria. Victims were both male and female. TIME
This attack came in a week that also saw other kidnappings and church attacks. The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) issued alarm, and the incident has increased international scrutiny on Nigeria’s ability to protect religious minorities. TIME
Christian leaders call on U.S. action amid alleged systemic “genocide” against Christians
On November 20, 2025, a coalition of Nigerian Christian and civil-society groups publicly urged the U.S. government to intervene, warning that the ongoing targeted killings, mass displacements, and destruction of Christian communities may amount to genocide. International Christian Concern
Their appeal signals a growing belief among Nigerian Christians that the violence is not random or isolated — but rather a systematic and sustained campaign against them. This raises major human rights, diplomatic, and security concerns. International Christian Concern
