7Nigeria

In Nigeria, Christians suffer significant and severe persecution to such a degree that Nigeria has been the most violent place in the world for followers of Jesus for several years. In northern Nigeria, 12 states have implemented Islamic law, creating a system where Christians live as second-class citizens, and conversion from Islam can be severely punished.

Violent Islamic militant groups also operate across northern Nigeria and into the country’s central region. Some of these groups – including Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), an offshoot of Islamic State – target followers of Jesus and any properties owned by Christians. Other Christians, particularly farmers in Nigeria’s Middle Belt, are confronted by Islamic militants among the Fulani people, who disproportionately attack Christian communities with horrific violence.

In recent years, violence has increased and spilt into southern states. Much of it is perpetrated by Fulani militants hiding in the forests. Another contributor to insecurity for Christians in the southeast is the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), a separatist group trying to carve out its own nation. IPOB has also oppressed and persecuted Christians, particularly Christian leaders who do not conform to its ideological requirements.

Meet Rifkatu

“The one who carried me on his motorbike, he asked why I was crying. I told him I am married, but he said: ‘If [your] husband was strong, he would have rescued you from [our] hands”

Rifkatu* (not her real name), a Nigerian Christian who was abducted and raped by Fulani militants.

What does Open Doors do to help?

Open Doors works through local church partners in Nigeria to provide both immediate and long- term care. This includes trauma counselling, emergency aid, discipleship training, socio-economic support, and persecution-response training.