Nigeria - Believers praying and worshipping - Photo: VOMC

Nigeria

Nigeria, Africa's most populous nation, is sharply divided along religious lines with a Muslim-dominated north and a majority-Christian south. There are more than 80 million professing Christians in Africa's most populous nation, the fruit of both pioneer mission work and the return of freed slaves who carried the Gospel with them to the African continent following the abolition of slavery in England during 1833. Foreign missionary activity in the Muslim majority north has declined significantly over the past ten years as a result of the emergence of the Islamic terrorist group, Boko Haram. Although the militants appear to have weakened in the northeast, it is believed they are the source of increasing attacks on Christian villages by a group of militant Fulani herdsmen, a tribe known for its adherence to strict Islam.

Life for Christians:

Nearly all Christians in northeastern Nigeria have lost family members due to the violence perpetrated by the terrorist groups. Entire congregations have been displaced, and many pastors have been forced to leave the region. Being active in the church looks much different than it did 15 years ago. Today, it takes great courage and faith to openly worship and serve Christ. Thousands of Christians remain in camps designated for internally displaced people. With few schools able to operate because of the violence, families are concerned about their children's education. Life is a constant struggle and, in some places, it's even difficult to find food.

  • Current Ministry Projects

    VOMC works with in-country partners to encourage and strengthen persecuted Christians through a variety of methods. Christians are equipped with audio bibles to distribute to their persecutors. Christian widows receive skills training and trauma counselling as a way to provide an income for their families and heal from the trauma they’ve faced in losing their husbands. Children who have lost parents and relatives due to attacks are provided with a safe place to grow and be nurtured. Medical fees are paid for Christians who have suffered injuries due to attacks by Boko Haram and Fulani. Discipleship and vocational training are given to Muslim Background Believers to help them start their new lives spiritually and practically. The Glenn Penner Scholarship Award is used to help equip persecuted Christians completing their Masters and have a heart to share the Gospel with the lost in their community.

    Project Funds: Women’s Ministry, Bibles, Medical Fund, Families of Martyrs, Equipping the Saints, Relief & Development

  • Country Information

    Population
    219,463,862 (July 2021 est.)

    Ethnicity (%)
    Hausa (30), Yoruba (15.5), Igbo (15.2), Fulani (6), Tiv (2.4), Kanuri/Beriberi (2.4), Ibibio (1.8), Izaw/Izon (1.8), Other (24.7)

    Religion (%)
    Islam (53.5), Christianity (45.9), Other (0.6)

    Leader
    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (2023)

    Government type
    Federal presidential republic

    Legal system
    Mixed legal system of English common law, Islamic law (in 12 northern states), and traditional law

    Source: CIA World Factbook

  • Pray for Nigeria

    May God minister great comfort and healing to all who have been injured or bereaved as a result of the militants' brutal attacks. In addition, pray for the remaining abducted Chibok schoolgirls, that they will be assured of the Lord's abiding presence as they await release from captivity. Continue to uphold President Tinubu and other members of the Nigerian government as they make further attempts to rescue the remaining girls and provide protection for vulnerable citizens. As they persevere in their endeavours to overcome terrorism, may they be granted wisdom, courage, strength and help from on high.

Nigeria News

  • New Year Begins with Increased Violence
    Believers gathered together in prayer.
    Nigerian believers are seeking God’s intervention.
    Photo: VOMC

    In November 2023, a report was released stating that incidents of anti-Christian violence and kidnappings in Nigeria appeared to have declined in comparison to the year before (see this report). The Christmas season, however, was particularly violent (read more) and now, as 2024 begins, numerous reports seem to point towards increasing brutality from militant groups in northern and central Nigeria.

  • At Least 140 Fatalities Due to Christmas Attacks
    Several people are helping to lay a loved one to rest.
    A burial on Christmas Day.
    Photo: Morning Star News

    The Christmas season was anything but peaceful for Christians in Plateau State, Nigeria, this past December. Approximately 20 Christian-majority communities were targeted during a series of coordinated attacks committed by Islamic Fulani militants on December 23rd through to the 25th. By the time the assailants left after causing widespread devastation, hundreds of homes were burned, along with eight church buildings. Thousands of innocent villagers were displaced and/or injured, and more than 140 people were killed, including two pastors.

  • 2023 Year in Review
    A man is praying at a breach in a brick wall.
    A father prays at a breach in the Bethel Baptist
    High School’s walls after one of the kidnappings.
    Photo: Morning Star News

    As the most populous nation in Africa, Nigeria has a democratically elected government with religious freedoms engrained in the constitution. Even so, this country remains divided according to the overall religious affiliation of the representing populations: the northern part of the country, which is predominantly Muslim; and the southern half where the majority claim to be Christian.

  • Abducted Student Safely Returns Home!
    Prayers at a breach in the school’s walls two years ago.
    Photo: Morning Star News

    More than two years ago, 121 students were abducted by Fulani militants from the Bethel Baptist High School in Maraban Rido, Kaduna State. Almost three weeks after the incident, on July 24th, 2021, 28 of those students were unexpectedly released (see this report for details). Since then, other groups of students have gradually been recovered as ransom demands were negotiated. With each payment, some of the children were allowed to return home, and then more money was demanded for the next group of hostages. Over the ensuing two years, more than $400,000 CAD was paid to the captors. Finally, only one student remained in captivity – a young boy named Treasure Ayuba, who had just turned 12 years old when he was captured.