Opinion - Nigeria has been cautioned about Christian persecution — it is time to take action

The Nigerian government has long denied that the widespread violence targeting Christians is religiously motivated. In September, President Bola Tinubu dismissed claims of religious persecution as "a lie from the pit of hell," while Information Minister Mohammed Idris called such accusations "false, baseless, despicable and divisive." Despite these denials, in late October, the United States designated Nigeria a "country of particular concern" for engaging in severe religious persecution and warned of potential aid suspension or military intervention if urgent reforms are not implemented.

Media coverage has occasionally noted complex local factors behind attacks, but the reality remains clear: Nigeria is the most dangerous country in the world for Christians. Since 2009, jihadist groups and Fulani militias are estimated to have killed tens of thousands of Christians and displaced millions, though the Nigerian government disputes these figures. In 2025 alone, over 7,000 Christians have reportedly been killed, exceeding the combined toll in all other nations. Churches have been destroyed, pastors executed, and entire Christian villages repeatedly attacked, with perpetrators openly declaring their intent to target Christians.

Boko Haram, Islamic State-West Africa Province, and Fulani militias also harm Muslims and others, but Christians remain disproportionately targeted, being five times more likely to be killed in areas where they are a minority. Religious persecution extends beyond violence, as Nigeria remains one of seven countries with death penalties for blasphemy. In twelve northern states, Sharia-based laws prescribe execution for alleged insults to Islam, fostering a lethal environment where accusations can trigger mob violence, as seen in the widely reported murder of college student Deborah Yakubu in 2022. The Supreme Court is also reviewing the case of Yahaya Sharif-Aminu, sentenced to death in 2020 for an alleged blasphemous song.

International bodies, including the United Nations, the European Parliament, and the ECOWAS Court of Justice, have repeatedly condemned these laws for violating global standards and enabling impunity. With the U.S. signaling high-level concern, it is crucial to identify concrete actions demonstrating Nigerias commitment to protecting religious freedom. Mere statements from Abuja are insufficient.

Four urgent measures are essential:

1. Strengthen security: Implement a centralized early-warning system and deploy trained military and police units to protect at-risk Christian communities in Benue, Plateau, Kaduna, Taraba, Nasarawa, and other Middle Belt states.
2. End impunity: Appoint a special prosecutor to investigate and prosecute attackers and officials who fail to act. Past massacres, including the 2023 Christmas Eve killings in Plateau State and April Holy Week attacks, saw few prosecutions. Ongoing cases, like the June Yelewata Massacre in Benue State, must be handled swiftly and thoroughly.
3. Support displaced Christians: Facilitate the safe return of millions of internally displaced persons by rebuilding homes, churches, and schools, with security guarantees for returnees.
4. Suspend and repeal blasphemy laws: Immediately halt enforcement and begin repealing laws that violate Nigerias constitution and international obligations. Release all individuals imprisoned for alleged blasphemy, including Yahaya Sharif-Aminu.

These steps are necessary not only to protect persecuted Christians but also to promote national security, restore international credibility, and foster a more stable and prosperous future for Nigeria.

Author: Olivia Parker